So many times in ministry we aren’t able to see what God is doing. Sometimes detecting the difference is a lot like watching grass grow. You know it is there, but you can only really see the difference after a period of time elapses. Nevertheless, we know that God is still at work.
Is there someone you’ve been praying for or some service you have been doing for God that you long to see Him at work? Be encouraged.
Sometimes in ministry you get to plant. Sometimes you get to water.
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
1 Corinthians 3:6-7
In ministry, it is easy to get caught up in the numbers. How many folks went forward to receive Jesus as Savior? How many folks were encouraged? How many folks made a change for the better? We want to measure our work by how many folks were touched or said, “Thank you.”
That is an activity in frivolity and futility. Not everything can be measured. True, we want to be used, but isn’t that ultimately up to God? No matter what we do, only the Holy Spirit can do the drawing. Remember, “neither is he that planteth any thing, and neither he that watereth.”
Sure. It is encouraging to see God use us. It is encouraging to see the results. But why? Ultimately, when you sit right down and think about it, it still does not have anything to do with us.
We are told to do good. We do need to pray for direction to be sure that we are walking faithfully in the works God has for us to do. As we walk in obedience, we needn’t worry that our time was wasted. God is faithful.
Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Galatians 6:6-10
God’s promise to us is that we will reap what we sow. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” We are also told that we are to do good as we have opportunity.
We have the task – do good. We have the reward – reap what we sow. We have the timing – as we have opportunity. The only thing left is to walk in obedience by getting busy doing it.
LIFE APPLICATION
Today’s challenge is to not grow weary in doing well. Be encouraged that the things you do really do make a difference. Ask God to give you the strength to keep on keeping on. Realize that more can be seen in hindsight than can be seen as you look forward. Keep a journal of the times that God lets you see how He is using you to make a difference. When you are feeling discouraged, look back at those times if it helps. But, always remember that it is God and not you that makes the difference.