A few thoughts from Chuck Proudfit with the Marketplace Minute™ . . .
I’ve had times at work when it seemed like I was using my talents for nothing. I’d put out my best effort, but few results seemed to come back. It was discouraging, and I’d wonder if something was out of sorts with me.
How comforting it was to read this scripture from the famous prophet Isaiah, Isaiah 49:4, when he struggled with it, saying . . . “I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the Lord’s hand, and my reward is with my God.”
Isaiah was able to look past the fruitless reality of the present, and anticipate a noble purpose in the future. He knew that in eternity, God would reveal the reasons, and release the reward.
If your current work seems devoid of purpose or reward, rest in this future assurance.
Reflection:
1. Have you had work experiences where your effort seemed to have no purpose? How did God use them?
2. Where do you see God moving through the efforts of others, and what purpose does that work fulfill?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, we are grateful that our work matters to You, even when it seems to have little purpose for us. Help us appreciate the spiritual significance of work, even when it can seem to be elusive.
At work on Your purposes - Amen
The Marketplace Minute™ is brought to you by At Work on Purpose, a non-profit work life ministry on the web at www.atworkonpurpose.org.
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