Daily Devotional: Stand Firm.

1 Corinthians 15:58

When I was about 13 years old, a twenty-something woman took me under her wing and introduced me to running, biking and the great outdoors. Her name was Jeanne. I haven’t seen her since the 8th grade, but her impact on my life is immeasurable. She and I would go on runs and bike rides together. These were great adventures that always included great talks and lots of laughs. One of my fondest memories of her was when we spent a Saturday biking from my home town of Martinsville, Indiana to Bloomington, Indiana. We biked through a state park, on dirt roads with corn fields on each side, and through the campus of Indiana University. I am certain that my love for running, biking and the great outdoors grew in me because of her. I have been greatly blessed because of it. I wonder if she knows that.

One of the things I have learned over time is that we don’t always get to see the results of good things we do. I would guess that if we did, we’d start feeling a little too proud of ourselves. God has called each of us to do His work. The results are for Him, not us. Think of someone who has inspired you. It’s possible this person spurred you onto something new and exciting in your life, making you even more effective for God’s plan in your life. It also is quite possible that this person encouraged and inspired others, but never heard about the difference that this made in someone’s life. Aren’t you glad the person who made such an impact on your life didn’t give up before you? Don’t be discouraged and stand firm even if people don’t see or recognize the good things you do. God sees all the good you do for Him, and will never forget. If what you do is for God, he will get results!

Dear Heavenly Father,
Remind me, each day, that I am here for You and that what I do is for Your glory. The results are not for me to see and hear, right now, but rather to celebrate in the joy of them in eternity with you. In Jesus’ name I pray – Amen.