Labor day is over and work begins again.

The hard work you do, the sacrifices you make, the constant giving of yourself and your skills, aren’t noticed. The accolades don’t come, your passed over for the promotion, the family doesn’t seem to care, and no one appears to understand how hard you work. Even God seems distant. Working. Is. Hard. Shouldn’t they, and shouldn’t He, reward you? Shouldn’t you at least get a “thank you” or a pat on the back? It’s hard to keep working when no one seems to notice. It’s hard when the reward we thought we would get never comes to fruition.

When those questions and doubts attack, I wonder am I working for the praise of man or for God? Pleasing people is a trap, a snare. Working for the praise of man is an empty void that can never be filled, like trying to fill a cup with holes in the bottom. If I work to satisfy my fleshly desires, to please others, to attain earthly treasure or earthly praise, all I’ve accomplished is temporary. Only Kingdom treasures are eternal treasures.

When I feel like giving up, I need to get my mindset back on God, on His purposes and His Kingdom. When I work for Him, keep my eyes on Him, then work is pleasure. Then, work becomes a blessing as I work to bless The One who has eternally blessed me.

To keep my thoughts on the right track, to get back on my feet, and my hands steady to stay at the work I believe the Lord has called me to complete, I run to God’s Word. The Bible gives truth to replenish the weary soul and courage to continue.

Even when no one notices, remember God sees what is done in secret and will reward you. When it’s hard, keep working, don’t grow weary in doing good and remember even those who sow in tears will reap with joyful shouting (Matthew 6:4, Psalm 126:5, Galatians 6:9).

Even when you are under attack from the enemy, remember God is faithful, He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one (2 Thessalonians 3:3).

Stop paying attention to people and working to please others, don’t fear them, listen to God, He provides comfort, protection, and is faithful to help you complete the work He has given you. Don’t work for selfish reasons and empty conceit, work for God’s interests and the interests of others. Walk in a manner worthy of your calling, keep your hand on the plow and run the race to win the prize (Isaiah 2:22, John 12:43, Isaiah 51:7, Isaiah 51:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, Philippians 1:6, Philippians 2:3-4, Ephesians 4:1, Luke 9:62, 1 Corinthians 9:24).

Remember, you are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand. You are seated in the heavenly places, therefore, work for the kingdom of God. Work for God’s glory shining your light for His glory to please Him. Work with God, work for The Eternal for eternal purposes and eternal reward (Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 2:5-7, Matthew 5:16, 2 Corinthians 5:5-6, 2 Corinthians 6:6, 1 Corinthians 3:13-14).

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. God gives us victory through Jesus Christ. Don’t be moved. Always be outstanding in your work for God. Remember always, your labor for the Lord is never in vain. Keep working, friends. Keep working! (2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Corinthians 15:57-58)

“Companions as we are in this work with you, we beg you, please don’t squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us. God reminds us, ‘I heard your call in the nick of time; the day you needed me, I was there to help.’ Well, now is the right time to listen, the day to be helped. Don’t put it off; don’t frustrate God’s work by showing up late, throwing a question mark over everything we’re doing. Our work as God’s servants gets validated—or not—in the details. People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly . . . in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we’re beaten up, jailed, and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; when we’re telling the truth, and when God’s showing his power; when we’re doing our best setting things right; when we’re praised, and when we’re blamed; slandered, and honored; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all. … I can’t tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. We didn’t fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren’t small, but you’re living them in a small way. I’m speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!” ~ 2 Corinthians 6:5-13 (MSG)

Adapted from We Were Meant for Paradise, https://amzn.to/2PC9f7L

Emphasis added on scripture.
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