Work
But, as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded. 2 Chronicles 15:7
Tonight I did something I have never done. I’ve done something similar, but not exactly this. At least I can’t remember if I have. Are you wondering what it is? Are you ready? I went to a Jazzercise Class. (-: Wow! I thought walking, lifting some weights now and then, hoeing, shoveling, gardening and lifting grandkids meant I was maybe, kind of, in shape. Boy was I wrong! Really wrong! (I may not be able to get out of bed in the morning!)
It was a good thing I was by a big fan or I most likely would of passed out sometime during the HOUR workout! And really good that I was in the back row…not only so that no one could see me, but so they wouldn’t be laughing hysterically at me and not be able to do the moves themselves. I can’t figure out why the instructor kept looking at me and saying my name…I must have really looked like I needed the encouragement. According to her the look on my face was “painful.” Sorry lady. My daughters Sara and Bethany went with me and both did really well. They were standing and smiling when it was over..always a good sign! Oh to be young again…
I’m constantly seeing that this life we are living is not easy. It requires work…and lots of it. In many ways. In our vocations…with our children…in our relationships with our husbands, wives and family members…in our thoughts…in our homes. Sometimes we must work at keeping our mouths shut when that is the last thing we want to do. We must work at loving when the person we are asked to love isn’t being very lovable. It takes work on our part to keep our thoughts on things that are pure, lovely and of good report. Work to treat others the way we want to be treated. Work to go the extra mile and do that thing that we really don’t think we have time to do. Work to see and respond to other peoples hurts and needs. Work to take care of these body’s that God says are His temple. Work to say “no” to things that we know are not pleasing to God and yes to His voice.
We have a responsibility to God, the Body of Christ, the lost and ourselves. When we fail to do the hard thing…the work…our witness for Him is diminished. He says in this passage that we are to be strong and not give up! When we keep working…His promise is a reward. Some rewards we may actually have the pleasure of seeing. Our work and effort may show itself in a physical way and God allows us to experience it. But, the most important place that God rewards us is in the unseen. Where it matters the most. For the long-haul.
All our work and effort really is accomplishing something. Much like Jazzercise. Jumping, moving, lifting weights, raising my arms and dancing…I am hoping and expecting all that work to reward me. Reward me with a healthier, more fit body. But, I have to keep doing it. I can’t go once and work really hard and expect any kind of results. I have to stay with it…week after week…class after class…if I want to see and feel results. But, more than Jazzercise I want to see and feel results with God. I want my work for Him to be accomplishing something so much greater than anything I can see or feel.
We must be strong in Him! We must not give up! Work is just that…it’s work. But, it feels so good when we are strong and don’t give up. We take a step back…look at what He has accomplished through us…and it can sometimes take our breath away! Don’t ever think that your work for Him is insignificant or small. Nothing is small when put in the Hands of God…every bit of work matters. Every effort, every battle won, every time we say “yes” and move forward with Him, His promise is this…it WILL be rewarded!
Working (with sore muscles) and sending much love,
Debbie
