Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, 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)
God is the Ultimate Engineer. Just think about it: He designed and created each and every human being who has ever lived, is now alive, or ever will live. He laid out the blueprints in such a way that our lives intersect and connect at just the right times and places. We are all part of the Lord’s grand design, and we are each – individually – created to fill an active role in His plan.
It is also true that we have an “enemy the devil (who) prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8, NIV). He would like nothing better than to discourage us, tempt us off our path and destroy the work God has placed before us. After all, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is counterproductive to the enemy’s program.
Today I want to encourage you to not be discouraged. Do what you do to the glory of God. Create and let nothing get in your way. Be strong. Be bold. Stand firm in the Lord, knowing that whatever you do for God – that is, whatever you do for others in His name – will not be wasted effort. Despite circumstances, despite appearances, God always wins. The Lord is in control and the results of our labor are in His hands.
Remember, we are created to serve – serve one another, share the life giving Good News of the Gospel and shine His light on the world. You are who you are, where you are, because the Lord intends it. Be bold and fearless. Be immovable in your faith. Love one another boldly. Step up, step out and step away from whatever holds you back from serving as God created you to serve.
(c) 2004 by Chris Courtney. All rights reserved. Please share this message with anybody you believe it would bless.
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The Bouville Diarist 