I struggle sometimes with feeling as if I’m not doing anything important—or that what I do doesn’t matter.
When reading these verses from Isaiah, "But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose,” I think: Me too. That’s how I feel. I wonder what my work amounts to and question my purpose. I see the accomplishments of other women, and it leads to feelings of discouragement … even wanting to give up.
Comparing myself to someone else, I lose sight of what I have to do—what God has called me to do. In my sight, it seems insignificant, like so much less than what someone else is doing—so small. But in God’s sight, no task is small. I have to remind myself that what He calls me to is important—no matter the size or outcome.
Whether you’re parenting one child or a dozen, writing for one reader or 100, ministering to one person or a roomful, it is important. Even when we feel we have nothing left to give, God has all we need, and He will work through us for His purpose and His Kingdom. Where we see no purpose, God sees great purpose.
Isaiah’s time and strength were not wasted. God knew the work Isaiah was doing, and Isaiah trusted God with the results. He did the work God called him to and left the outcome in God’s hands.
The same is true for us. Our time and energy are not wasted, even if we can’t see the effects of our labor. Like Isaiah, we can do the work and trust the rest is in God’s hands.
You may never know if someone was touched by something you said or did, but God knows. And that’s all that matters.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Thanks Laura. I often need reminding that what I do matters.
A timely word of encouragement!
Laura, your words touch my heart as I feel that way far more than I should. I know I have skills and talents and gifts. I also know I feel unworthy of being able to be the one God created me to be. You have encouraged my heart today. Caring through Christ, ~ linda