The King Is ComingSample

Fruit

It’s a blessing to be able to offer someone wet and shivering a wool blanket and hot soup—or to watch a little girl’s shy smile break into a grin when she visits her father in prison and he hands her a Christmas present. God gives us a heart for certain ministries and calls us to meet immediate needs at critical times. Whatever our gifts, he expects us to use them to help others. Often, he lets us see the fruit of our labor to energize and keep us going.

Yet we may not always get to see how God uses our gifts and small acts of service to build his kingdom. We may plant a seed that remains dormant for years. We may continue to water what looks like a muddy patch of dirt, without any sign of growth. We may have to coax and nurture the littlest stub or sprout. …Or we may be blessed to witness the full harvest. But could the harvest take place without the rest happening first?

In Matthew 25, Jesus says, “For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited me in; naked, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you visited me; I was in prison, and you came to me.” Jesus views these small acts of service for others as if done to him. In whatever capacity we serve—even if nobody sees or appreciates it—remember we work for an audience of one. Jesus sees. To know he’s working through us and in us is blessing enough.

REFLECT

Evaluate whether you’re easily discouraged when you don’t see quick results from your efforts and how that might be limiting what God wants to do through you.

RESPOND