Nothing Useless

"Balm in Gilead," a very old traditional spiritual, has some "wandering verses," in it; that is, lines that may be found in some versions of other well-known songs.

Sometimes I feel discouraged
And think my work's in vain,
But then the Holy Spirit
Revives my soul again.

If you cannot preach like Peter,
If you cannot pray like Paul,
You can tell the love of Jesus
And say, "He died for all."

It is easy, as the hymn suggests, to become discouraged by the little we are able to accomplish for the Kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul wrote, ”So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless." (I Corinthians 15:58 NLT)

* What little words or acts of kindness would you be certain to give if you knew they were important to God?
* What big thing might you attempt for God if you knew you could not fail?

It's true! Nothing we do for Him is useless. Everything counts. "And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” (Matthew 10:42 NLT)

We often quote the Scripture, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." But do you realize that refers to the use of our gifts? "And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed—keep that ablaze! God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible. (II Timothy 1:6, 7 MSG) Although true in the broader sense as well, it specifically reminds us not to be timid about working for the Lord. Nothing is useless!

MaryMartha

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. United States of America. All rights reserved. Scripture marked MSG is taken from The Message. Copyright © 2003 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.