How do you value your service to God? The way you look at it helps to determine how you will fulfill it. If you look upon serving Christ as a burden or even a punishment from God instead of a sterling privilege, you will be a drudge and do only what is required of you.

As a minister of Jesus Christ, Paul was overwhelmed by the grace and mercy of God. His positive attitude toward the ministry kept him from being a quitter. In spite of his great gifts and vast experience, Paul was still subject to human frailties. But how could he lose heart when he was involved in such a wonderful ministry? With the divine calling came the divine enabling; he knew that God would see him through.

A discouraged Methodist preacher wrote to the great Scottish preacher, Alexander Whyte, to ask his counsel. Should he leave the ministry? “Never think of giving up preaching!” Whyte wrote to him. “The angels around the throne envy you your great work!” That was the kind of reply Paul would have written, the one all of us need to ponder whenever we feel our work is in vain.

Verse for today: “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV).
Also read: Psalm 31:24; Philippians 2:12-18; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17.

Action assignment: Do you ever feel discouraged as a witness for Christ? When? Think of some things you have to be thankful for as you share your faith, such as the freedom to worship or having your own Bible. Next time you are tempted to feel discouraged, ask God to renew in you the vision of His calling. In fact, why not do it right now?

WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in