NOT IN VAIN

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

This verse has really gotten me thinking today...

I am such a driven person for God and have such an intense calling on my heart that I overwhelm myself at times. I have such a desire to work hard for Him and touch lives with His undeniable grace and beautiful salvation. I work, work, work...Today I've realized I am doing much more work than I even realize!

Even when my days don't allow me to sing, work on my book, write to you, practice guitar, or pen a song, my days are not in vain! Nothing that has filled this "unproductive" day has been a waste and not a moment of my time slipped away without great accomplishment. I'm tapping into the truth that even the tiniest of things I do in a day are great and meaningful when I do them out of my love for Jesus. At the end of any day, no matter its roadblocks, u-turns, or traffic jams, I want to settle into Christ's rest and peace. I want to lay my head upon my pillow hearing the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Wow, this JUST hit me as I'm writing...we are the Lord's workers; His servants. What do servants do? They do the work needed to be done at that very moment. They take care of whatever is on the docket without question or complaint. It is their job and their task. They do these things because they are indebted to or employed by the one who has given them the list of "to do's." This is awesome! It's not just our Life's Purpose that matters to God...it's in the little things we do in His name that show Him how much we love and want to serve Him.

Every single thing you do in your daily life, if you do it for Christ, is not in vain! Take this down to the very simplest of things: when you wash the dishes, do it for Him! As silly as it may sound to you, think of Him as you're doing them. When you fold your loved ones' laundry, realize you're doing the work God has put in front of you and asked of you to do in that moment. If He has given you this family and all other things in your day and life, you are at work for Him when you do these jobs! Hopefully in this moment, the thought of fulfilling your "honey do" list just grew a little sweeter in your noggin...:)

Go out and love on some unsuspecting people for Him today, next week, and the rest of your life...your labor and efforts are not in vain, no matter their apparent outcome! Keep saying "Hello" to people you pass on the street even if you feel like a heel when they ignore you. Chances are, they are not used to people acknowledging them so they were either caught off guard or figured you were talking to someone else. Don't worry, it happens to me all the time. :) And remember, when you offer that smile without receiving one in return, you are "taking one" for God's team...I assure you, He does not overlook your effort, and it is definitely not in vain! He'll bless you in ways only He can and only He has planned.

Do all you do, no matter what it is, with the heart intention of working for the Lord. I've been practicing this all morning and already I have found rest, peace, comfort, and purpose in simply existing...I am existing and living this day for Him. I will do what He's put in front of me each moment that passes. I will say the words He's wants me to say, I will write what gives me to write (i.e. I am writing to you now), and I will hug that person He wants me to hug. Today, I will stop and take the time to be there for someone in desperate need of a caring, listening ear. I'm walking out today's jobs for my Jesus.

You may be focused on the huge dreams and longings you believe God has for you in the future. Let me encourage you and pull your mindset a little closer to home today - do what He has put in front of you in every moment. Be intentional to do whatever it is for Him, out of your love for Him. You will be absolutely flooded with peace and satiety realizing every single laborious thing you do is actually good use of your time. It's all being counted on the Almighty God's time-sheet; you are on His clock. All of your work is rolling over on a heavenly payroll system so keep working for Christ! Your checks are in the mail and your sweet rewards are on their way to your doorstep this very moment...

Smile!!!!
Katie Marie :)