Hold Steady on Course

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about thesethings. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it. Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. ~ Philippians 4:8-13

Have you ever done something and feel like you’re getting nowhere or don’t see any results from whatyou have done?  Frustrating, isn’t it?  You feel like, “why do I even bother, anyway?”

God tells us through Paul in his letter to the Philippians to “keep on doing the things that you have  learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.”  In other words, although you may not see the results of what you are trying to accomplish in His name, He is there with you to make sure that your work is not in vain.  What you do now may show results long after you are gone, so don’t worry so much about how much you have accomplished in your following God’s plan for you and just continue doing what He is leading you to do.  God will provide the strength for you to do whatever it is He wants you to do for Him.  If you are in difficult circumstances, He is there to lead you through them.  When you are going through difficult times such as bad health, financial difficulties, inability to help do certain tasks, allow God to help you with the gifts He provides in many forms as well; doctors, nurses, caregivers, financial gifts, allowing someone to complete the tasks you are unable to do at that time.  If you are experiencing a time of plenty, God is there celebrating with you and wanting you to share your abundance with others less fortunate.  This abundance could take many forms:  wealth, good health, talents, etc.  Use these gifts as He gives them to you.   Whatever your situation, hold steady to the course God has set for you and hold fast to your faith in Him.

Prayer

Dear God, Life can be very frustrating at times.  We sometimes feel as though our work is in vain and wonder if You are even there with us.  Sometimes we just want to “throw in the towel” and give up.  Help us to remember that You are always there with us, through the times of plenty as well as the difficult times – giving us the strength to carry out Your will in all that we do – even if we don’t see any results ourselves, for You know what the eventual outcome may be – even if it is sometime in the future that we may never see.  Amen.

~ Wendy Miller