Do you occasionally feel discouraged in your work? Do you ever wonder whether your labors are making a difference? Does the enemy ever whisper in your ear, "Your labor is in vain?" If you occasionally have such feelings, you're in good company. The Bible is full of faithful servants who felt that way before us.

Even the Apostle Paul wrestled with the idea of laboring in vain. But Saint Paul found encouragement in the promised resurrection and left the Corinthians, and each of us, an exhortation to remain faithful for a fruitful, purpose-driven life.

Friends, when you feel exhausted, and the enemy tells you your efforts are pointless, meditate on today's passage and keep moving forever forward. We must refuse to listen to Satan's lie! As believers, we labor out of love for what our Savior has already accomplished for us.

Remember what Saint Paul instructs: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward" (Col. 3:23-24).

So, seek your strength in the Lord, then "Rise Up" put your hands on the plow, and don't look back! We have been assured our labor is not in vain.

Onward and Upward + Fr. Greg