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    by Rebecca Livermore

Your Labor is Not in Vain
Date Posted: August 8, 2007

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV).

Discouragement is a common problem in the world today, but it can be even more painfully felt among those who work for the Lord but see little or no results. This is true of both ministry professionals and laypeople.

Paul reminds us of a few things that can help us beat discouragement. The first, and most important thing is that we have victory through the Lord Jesus Christ. This awareness can help us to be firmly persistent, and not give up, even when it seems like nothing is being accomplished. When we get our eyes off of the fact that we have victory through Jesus, our persistence lags. Then, our lack of persistence may lead to a lack of results.

Another reason people fail to see results is that although they work for the Lord, they do not abound in the work of the Lord. Abound means to have an abundance, and to overflow. Half-hearted work, that is done only part way will not likely have results.

This lack of results can lead to discouragement, especially if we forget that our labor -- which is hard work mixed with toil and trouble -- is not being done in vain. It’s hard to keep that fact in mind when you are working hard and not seeing results. But a focus on the victory we have through Christ, and the fact that our hard work is not being done in vain, can help us beat the blues that come when we don’t see results.

Father, we pray that You will help us to always remember that we have victory through You. Help us to cling to the fact that our hard work is not in vain, when we are doing it as unto You. We ask for Your strength to do all of our work for You with our whole hearts. -- Amen.

Reflection:

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© 2007 by Rebecca Livermore

Are you feeling discouraged in the work you are doing for the Lord? If so, don’t give up! You are guaranteed victory through Christ, as you remain steadfast in the work God has given you to do.

"'Christ in You...'" from Dale Krebbs

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Biography Information:
Rebecca Livermore is a speaker and freelance writer from Denver, Colorado. Her passion is helping people grow spiritually. To learn more about her ministry, and to read her articles on spiritual disciplines, visit http://www.rebeccalivermore.com.