Serving Joyfully
By Laura Bailey
Bible Reading
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,” Matthew 11:28 NIV
“Do you ever feel weary, like you are trying to solve the world’s problems, and it’s just too much?” I inquired of my friend over coffee one morning. Smiling, she replied, “Sometimes, but I am sure you do because you feel everyone’s problem is yours.”
Earlier that month, I shared my ministry frustrations with my husband. I felt particularly disappointed after an event I helped host at the church, which, in my opinion, had flopped. Taking it personally, I shamefully informed the Lord, “I am exhausted from this, so it is someone else’s turn to step up to the plate because I am taking a break.”
Little did I know that the next week, within days of each other, we would learn that two close friends of ours passed away. To say that this sad news rocked my world was an understatement. I couldn’t help but wonder if I could have done more for them. I was reminded of the verse in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” I prayed, “Lord, I am burdened and weary and do not see a time when I can rest. Please show me how I can rest in You and do Your work.”
I didn’t need a break from ministry and serving others; I needed a perspective shift.
Instead of seeing ministering as helpful or loving obedience to God, It was just another task on my spiritual to-do list. I wanted to give up on people after there was no evidence of changes in their behavior or lifestyle, and this is precisely what our greatest enemy wants us to do and believe: that our actions for God are meaningless and useless.
Satan wants us to give up, to cease fighting for souls around us, and especially to stop encouraging other Believers in Christ. Jesus called Satan the father of lies, one who seeks to devour us, to tear us down in mind, heart, and spirit, crippling all efforts to bring God glory.
True, we may never witness the lasting impressions a kind word, a note, or a meal leaves on people -- the smile directed to a woman in the grocery store who is in an abusive relationship, the money sent to a nearby family who struggles to pay bills or the hug given to a grieving parent. In a world of instant gratification, we want to know right then and there that our actions have meaning and produce results. I, indeed, am guilty of this.
One of the friends referenced above was a firm Believer, and I always knew what a blessing she was to others, but in days and weeks after her death, the stories of her never-ending compassion and love for others poured out. On the surface, her acts of kindness appear to be small and simple; she probably had no idea of their effect, but no doubt, they had a vast, eternal impact on the lives she touched. I remember distinctly the day she asked me to pray about her fostering a child. Astonished, I exclaimed, “Are you crazy? Why would you, a young, single, small business owner with many things going on, want to take on that?” She just smiled, “Because there is a child out there who needs my help, and I feel God calling me to do more.”
This sister in Christ was not living for herself or man’s approval but for God. She put others first and her comfort second, a true testimony of Christ in her life. When I want to settle back to give someone else a go because I’m tired or discouraged, I will think about Christ’s love for me and my sorely missed friend, who, though weak and weary, faithfully lived this command.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by trying to meet everyone’s needs? Take some time today and pray that the Lord will give you strength and encouragement as you joyfully serve Him and His people.
Further Reading:
Finding Joy in Thankless Work
Colossians 3:23-24
Photo Credit: © Aaron Amat
Laura Bailey is an author and Bible teacher who encourages women to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply biblical truths to their lives. Her recent book, Embracing Eternity in the Here and Now, explores how the timeless truths of Ecclesiastes help us live more peaceful, purposeful, and plentiful lives today.
She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com
Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com!
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