“So then, my dear friends, stand firm and steady. Keep busy always in your work for the Lord, since you know that nothing you do in the Lord’s service is ever useless.”   1 Corinthians 15:58

It’s reassuring to hear that “nothing you do in the Lord’s service is ever useless.” We live in a culture that measures success by prestige: wealth, achievements, popularity.  What do you do for a living? What kind of car do you drive? How many Face book fans do you have? Sometimes we can get caught up in comparing ourselves to others.

Instead of comparing mental resumes with others, why not ask questions that will give us a sense of how we’re doing in the Lord’s service?  Do I listen to those nudges from the Holy Spirit? Am I making a difference to those around me?  Does how I do whatever I do matter?  Making progress in these areas can be accomplished in any station in life.

A few months ago I was involved in a project that I thought was a God-given way for me to do what I felt called to do. I worked hard to prepare and was looking forward to the event. Due to circumstances beyond my control, the event was cancelled at the last minute. I was deeply disappointed.  But just because my efforts didn’t bear fruit the way I expected when I expected, doesn’t mean they didn’t bear fruit.  If nothing else, my heart had yet another opportunity to learn patience and acceptance.  It’s one more experience that will help me empathize and encourage others when they walk through disappointment.  Mother Theresa said, “We are not called to be successful.  We’re called to be faithful.”  So for today, I can choose to be faithful and do the next thing that is on my agenda.

Prayer:  Bless our efforts, Lord, and use them as You see fit.

Reflection for sharing:  How can we keep “firm and steady” when our efforts don’t seem to be successful?