Readings for today: Isaiah 46-49, Psalms 135
I maintain a demanding pace in my life. I serve as the senior pastor of a wonderful, growing church that is literally changing the world. I chair the board of a mission organization that I deeply love that is planting thousands of churches in unreached villages all over the Horn of Africa. I teach evangelism and mission at a local seminary to brilliant students. I volunteer to serve my denomination in various capacities. I am the primary liaison between my church and several local immigrant fellowships in our local area. I love all of it. I feel called to all of it. I am humbled and blessed by my involvement in each of these areas. But it does take a lot of time and energy and by the time I get to vacation each summer, I am usually running on fumes.
This summer was no different. By the time I got to late June, I was dragging pretty hard. Perhaps it’s because I’ve recently taken on some new responsibilities with one of the immigrant fellowships I serve or perhaps it’s due to a denominational commitment I took on a couple of years ago which tackles a delicate subject. Maybe it’s just that I’m getting older? Whatever it may be, I was feeling more drained than normal. And when I feel drained, I am more susceptible to cynicism. I am more easily discouraged and frustrated. The work is often long and it’s hard sometimes to see the fruit so I can fall into the trap Isaiah did in Isaiah 49:4 NET. “But I thought, “I have worked in vain, I have expended my energy for absolutely nothing.” Perhaps you know how that feels? Perhaps you’ve experienced something similar in your own life?
Thankfully, God is faithful. He has given me the opportunity to taste some of the fruit of my labors over the years. He has given me the chance to experience a bit of the reward of all my hard work in prayer and evangelism and discipleship. Without a doubt, I have seen miracles. I think of the people who have come to saving faith. I think of the many lives that have been changed. I think of the impact I’ve been able to have on marriages and families and communities. I think of the global connections I’ve been blessed to make and the opportunities we’ve had to partner with them over the years. It’s truly amazing and humbling and the fulfillment of God’s promise in Isaiah 49:3 NET, “You are my servant…through whom I will reveal My splendor.”
The Christian life is a long obedience in the same direction. We may plant. Others may water. But it is God alone who gives the increase and we may not always get a chance to see that increase in our lifetimes. Sometimes it may feel like our work is in vain and we are spending our strength for nothing and in futility. Don’t you believe it! God is at work even when we can’t see Him. He is moving even when we can’t feel Him. He is bringing about His will and His way according to His perfect timing. Trust in the Lord and He will vindicate you. Trust in the Lord and He will reward you. This is His promise and it is sure!
Readings for tomorrow: Isaiah 50-53