September ushers in the startup of fall ministries, Bible studies, and back to a more structured schedule. We say goodbye to the lazy days of summer by the pool, family vacations and loose calendars. Time marches on and the fun of the season become a treasured memory. However, there is excitement in the air as women receive their fresh bible study workbook, reconnect with friends and plan for a new year of ministry. Although, there is excitement, at times, you and I need an encouraging word from God to keep moving forward in the work He has set before us. First Corinthians 15:58 tells us, therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
You can have the assurance that if you are striving to serve the Lord and abound in what He has called you to do, that in which you toil is “not in vain”. It has eternal significance when you serve others.
This does not come without work on your part. But your work will be joyous as you are doing it unto the Lord and fulfilling the ministry He has set before you. (2 Timothy 4:5)
First, you need to be steadfast (firmly seated) and immovable (unshaken) which when these two qualities are combined, will propel you to let nothing shatter your attempt to fulfill your dream, be overcome by your commitment or take your gaze off the purpose behind the action. You will have the determination it takes and the grit needed to do whatever your hand finds, and do it with all your might (Eccl. 9:10a).
Secondly, the statement “…always abounding in the work of the Lord” is Paul’s way of saying, always give yourself wholeheartedly to the work of the Lord. In the Greek, abound means to excel more than, exceed; to overflow. It is a picture of something flowing over the edge on all sides. As you work unto the Lord, you should not do just enough to get by, but as much as you can; abounding in the work He has entrusted to you.
Some people do just what is expected. The minimum. They sit back and watch things happen.
Others, out of love, go far above and beyond what is expected. They pour out their lives to overflowing. These people make things happen. They are All-Outs!
“All-Out’s doing what?” you ask.
The work of the Lord, is the answer. This is purposeful leadership.
And, thirdly, be expectant— …knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”
Our Lord’s resurrection makes all we do worth the doing. And because He sits at the Father’s right hand, He sent His Holy Spirit to abide in you to give you His divine power. (2 Peter 1:3)
Paul teaches us that the reality of the future shapes and motivates how we live in the present. It gives you purposeful lives to live beyond your abilities, talents, and live fruitful lives.
No matter where you find yourself in your season of leadership:
- The stay at home mom or dad managing their family…
- The working person trying to balance it all…
- The leader of a ministry…
- The manager of a business…
- The organizer of an event…
- The president of a company…
…Suffer hardship like a soldier; compete as fairly as an athlete, and work as hard as a farmer ( 2 Timothy 2:1-6). Always abounding in the work of the Lord.
And so, do not lose heart in doing good, for in due time you will reap if you do not grow weary. So then, while you have opportunity, do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith (Galatians 6:9-10).
Journeying with Him,
Jessie