DEVOTION – DAY 285

1  Corinthians 15:58 “Stand Firm In Your Service”

 

1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor is not in vain.”

 

In 1 Corinthians 15, the apostle Paul revealed that when Christ returns, the dead in Christ will be raised to physical life again. They will receive a new resurrected body just like the resurrected Jesus Christ. Because of this blessed hope, we know that our service for the Lord is not an empty and pointless activity. Paul tells us that “our labor is not in vain.” All our efforts in service to the Lord Jesus Christ are well invested. He will remember and reward us when He returns to reign and rule. Paul tells us to stand firm and do not be discouraged even when progress is slow in our service for the Lord. We are to give ourselves fully to serving Him. We are to remain committed even though people may take us for granted, or people may be unappreciative of our efforts.

 

We know of many people serving tirelessly behind the scenes every week in order that the Sunday services give God the glory. There are people willing to get up early to provide transport to the elderly and the infirm so that they can attend church services. The Sunday School teachers devote their spare time to prepare to teach the children in age appropriate ways that can capture the children’s attention. The Audio-Visual team arrive early to make sure the lighting, sound and video systems are fully operational. The musicians and worship team practice beforehand to lead the congregation to worship God. The people in charge of refreshments have to prepare the refreshments. These and many other duties are often taken for granted and overlooked. But this verse reminds us that all labor for the Lord is not in vain. He will reward us at His Second Coming.

 

I recall there was a time when I felt discouraged. I had put in a lot of effort to get a new ministry started but progress was very slow. There were days when instead of seeing progress, there were setbacks which was discouraging. I found this verse useful because it reminded me that I must persevere and continue. I am reminded that serving the Lord is not about me or my efforts. The Lord will use my service in ways that I may not realize. The Lord will reward me in His time and my efforts will not be in vain. The Lord did send others to encourage me and I persevered. In the end, the ministry did get off the ground. Praise God!

 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for your promise that all our efforts to serve you are not in vain. Please help us to persevere and stand firm in our services for you, and in all our areas that you have called us to do. We ask this in the wonderful name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Questions

  1. Are you feeling discouraged about an area of service? Do you feel underappreciated and taken for granted?
  2. How does this devotion help you to persevere and stand form in your service for the Lord? Share.
  3. Why should you persevere and continue to serve the Lord even when no one else seems to care?
  4. How can you encourage and pray for someone who is feeling discouraged about serving the Lord?