God's Daily Wisdom for MenSample

Work Struggles

Work, many times, is work. Painful toil is a consequence of what happened in the beginning – God cursed the ground because of Adam and Eve’s disobedience. Labor became laborious. Instead of paradise in the sinless garden of Eden, there were blood, sweat, and tears mingled with sin. Work is not meant to be easy, but intense effort. (Genesis 3:23)

Is your work a struggle? Are you in one of the most stressful seasons of your career? If so, God does not waste pain. It is in your discomfort that He comforts, and in your unease that He gives courage. If the Lord has your attention in an environment out of your control, stay true to what you can do, and leave the results with God. In stress, seek Jesus. (Ecclesiastes 2:20)

Furthermore, see work as worship to Almighty God, a sacrifice of service you lay before Him for the Holy Spirit to ignite with power and effectiveness. Lift your heart and head in humility; present your hands and feet by faith – all for God’s glory. Silently sing in sincere worship while you work. Worshipful music does for the ears what the Sistine Chapel does for the eyes. It is lovely to listen to for the glory of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Lastly, look at your work as a testament to excellence on behalf of Jesus. Your ministry is your work, and your work is your ministry. The days of the week, Monday through Saturday, are not secular days of service, but a Christian’s sacred obligation to model his or her faith with first-rate work. Perhaps you facilitate a Bible study at lunch or before or after hours. Your outstanding effort in the enterprise earns you the right to prayerfully and graciously share your faith.

So, when job security is jittery and insecure, exhibit peace from God in the form of calm contentment and patient perseverance. Work struggles are the scenario in which others can see you act out what you say you believe. Perhaps your bold belief during adverse work conditions activates believers and leads unbelievers to begin their belief in Christ. (1 Thessalonians 2:9)

Reflect: Do struggles at work lead me to worship my Savior, Jesus, and model excellent work?