by Dr. Paul Chappell
“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.”
Hebrews 10:35–38
Dr. Curtis Hutson liked to tell the story of a man who was preparing for a flight. He was somewhat nervous about flying, and in the airport he passed a machine that sold life insurance policies. When he saw that for just $3 he could buy a $100,000 life insurance policy that would pay in the event of a crash, he decided that was a bargain price for something that would at least let him leave something for his family if the worst should occur and made the purchase. Feeling better, he decided to get something to eat before boarding the plane. After his dinner at the Chinese restaurant, he cracked open his fortune cookie and read, “Your recent investment will pay big dividends.”
All of us face trials and uncertainties about the future. In truth, as much as we plan and prepare for what is to come, we will be taken by surprise. The idea that we can control what happens is a delusion. Only God controls events. Yet that truth is our source of confidence for an uncertain world. No matter what happens, we can rely on God and walk in faith, trusting Him to bring His purpose to pass. Our confidence is not shaken by unforeseen events if it is placed in God rather than in ourselves.
When we lose our faith, it is an indication that our trust was misplaced. Too often we rely on our ability, strength, and planning rather than simply doing our best while relying on God’s unlimited power.
Today’s Growth Principle:
Those who keep their confidence in God, remain faithful and receive the reward God has promised.
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Half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail.
--Nehemiah 4:16
As a Christian, God expects you and I to be productive.
What a great example we have of this in the fourth chapter of Nehemiah. Once the plot to stop the work of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem was foiled, everybody went back to work with renewed energy.
Even those who weren’t actively rebuilding the walls kept armor and weapons ready in case the enemy attacked. Nobody sat around idly!
First Corinthians 15:58 tell us to “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord….”
And what exactly does “abounding in the work of the Lord” mean? For one, it means we’re actively looking for ways to serve God and serve others. It means we’re so busy thinking about what we can do next for the Kingdom that we have little time to think about ourselves, worry, and become discouraged!
Today I want to challenge you to go out of your way to serve someone. And don’t just do it to do it. Let that person know you’re helping them out because your service pleases the Lord you love! It will be a great testimony of a life that’s sold out for Christ.
LOOK FOR WAYS TO SERVE AND LOVE OTHERS TODAY…AND EVERY DAY.
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