Then I said, ‘I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and in vain; yet surely my just reward is with the Lord, and my work with my God.’ Isaiah 49:4
People love to be rewarded for the work that they have done. Before anyone does something that person wants to know what will be received for the work done. Very few people like to do something for absolutely nothing. Yet, often people feel as if they work extra hard and don’t even get any recognition for what they have accomplished much less anything else.
Isaiah says he had labored in vain, spending all of his energy for nothing, but then recognizes that his reward is with God and all his work is with God.
Everyone expects a reward of some sort whenever they do some work. Most often it is expected in the form of some type of paycheck being given. Other times it is just in being recognized in some form or another.
When no one recognizes the work having been done, it will feel like it was all in vain and worthless. The world will often then choose to stop working or to work less because it is all in vain.
Believers, just like Isaiah, may often feel as if all the work that they are doing is in vain. They work hard to do the work of God and all they get is pain, suffering, rejection and misunderstanding. In this process, many have chosen to walk away from doing what God has called them to do. They have forgotten where their reward is.
Instead of seeking a physical reward or one from other people, believers are to find their reward in God alone. It is His love, His presence, His forgiveness, His mercy, His joy, His peace and His gift of eternal life that makes all the work worthwhile.
You probably have days in which you feel as if no one, not even God, recognizes all the hard work you do, especially work for God’s kingdom. Do not be discouraged and do not give up. Put your focus upon God and find that He is your reward. If you have God and His presence, you have the greatest reward you could ever possibly receive. Find your strength and reward in Him, not the temporary things of this world.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will work with all of your strength for God; that you will find satisfaction and reward in God; and that you will know God will reward you better than the world will.
Picture by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash
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