Larbor of love

Labor of Love
As you look at your life, are you discouraged over failed efforts and expectations? Does the enemy whisper in your ear, “Your labors are in vain – all for nothing. You haven’t been as successful as desired or made a great difference in this world.” If you have such feelings, then take heart, because you’re in good company. Many of the greatest servants of God throughout history ended up feeling they failed in their calling. When the prophet Elijah looked at his life, he felt like such a failure that he cried out, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life” (1Kings 19:4). He felt like everything he had done for the Lord had been in vain. Even the Apostle Paul trembled at the thought of spending life in useless labor. But Paul found encouragement in the promised resurrection, and he left the Corinthians and us, an exhortation to remain firm in a “purpose driven life” shaped by service, even if it seems in vain, because we’re given eternal victory in Jesus, through the resurrection.  
Friends, when you become weary and the enemy says your labor is in vain, remember today’s passage to be propelled onward and upward. We must never listen to Satan’s lies! As believers, ours is a labor of love, for what our Savior has already done for us. So as Paul says, “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. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Col. 3:23-24). So, “Rise Up”, put your hands on the plow – or on the keyboard as it may be, and don’t look back, stand firm on God’s promises: “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1Cor. 15:58).
Onward and Upward!
Fr. Greg+

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