The Gift

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
2 Corinthians 9:12-15

It could be the jacket you loaned to a friend, the change you dropped on purpose for someone to find later, the smile you gave to the cashier, the hand you waved to the trash guy, the class you continue to teach week after week, the co-worker you've offered friendship, the spouse you keep trying to show you really do care...these everyday things you perform is not only meeting the needs of others but is also being expressed to God as worship. Lets admit it, we all want to throw up our hands at times and say, "Forget it. I'm finished. I'm tired of trying." And honestly that's exactly where I've been. I have been physically tired, emotionally drained, and spiritually in a black hole but I take assurance in the words of the Apostle Paul as he wrote to the Corinthian church. These things we do day after day, not knowing if they ever make a difference, is seen by our Lord and He considers them as our worship of Him. In fact, it is a sweet smelling incense when we continue to serve others. Your service is literally validating to others or witnessing to them of your love for Christ. Lots of folks can feel generous and do something special once in a while but when you have made giving of yourself a lifestyle, it is so much more than you realize.

Somehow every time I feel overwhelmed and discouraged in this journey of servanthood, I am embraced by His awesome grace. Its a nudge to keep going, keep serving, keep loving, keep hoping, keep trying. This grace assures me that all is going to be okay and gives me confidence to be still. His grace is not always tangible. Often for me it comes as a quiet determination to dig my heels in a little stronger and stand a little longer. It is definitely proven sufficient for me in every task I have faced. Without it, I would be most miserable and unable to conquer. So I agree with Paul as he says, "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" And I pray, pour on the grace Lord, pour on the grace...