NEVER WITHOUT PURPOSE

1 Corinthians 15:58

Amplified Translation

“Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].”

Periodically we will encounter those days when we have to remind ourselves that the work serves a much great purpose than we are often able to conceptualize. I’d like to believe that our minds are incapable of fully comprehending the purpose for which the Lord desires to use His children. It is for that reason that we must commit to trusting God even when we don’t understand the plan of God.

The exhortation that is presented in this scripture in 1 Corinthians 15:58 serves as a necessary reminder as we strive to remain loyal and faithful in situations that seem unfair and sometimes pain-staking. It can also serve as a timely and relevant prompting when we find ourselves struggling to stand in a position of stability and security when the foundation upon which we are trusting seems unreliable and unsteady.

But the Word of God suggests that we must not waver in our endeavor to get the work done – to keep it moving. The work that frustrates us, the environment that discourages us and the individuals whose objective is to distract us from the goal – are not without purpose.

When we accept that the labor is not about what’s tangible, but serves a much greater purpose; this then becomes the reality that keeps us moving when retreating seems to be the most logical answer. How many times has walking away seemed to be more rational than sticking it out? Numerous? Remember, if we decide to stop short of the finish, we risk jeopardizing the purpose and forfeiting the promise.

So, the next time you decide that it’s not worth the headache, be reminded that the headache is temporary, but the work is purposeful and has eternal implications.

God puts us on display while we’re going through the agony and the misfortune such that someone watching us may see Him, know Him and trust Him even more when He elevates the platform to make His greater works more visible through us.

So, this trial, this test, this heartache, those tears, the betrayal, the hurt, the rejection – even on the worst of days – is not without purpose.

Remain steadfast and immovable – and keep doing the work. Nothing that you do for the Lord is wasted – it is never without purpose.

So just hang in there!