Our Most Rewarding Work

When you look back over your life, what would you say is the most rewarding work you have done thus far? I bet if we made a list some might say their career, parenting, volunteering for non-profit organizations or church ministry.

Ephesians 2:10 ESV

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

God's Word tells us that we are God's work of art, His masterpiece, we were fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalms 139:14) to do His good works. When we become Christians through God's unmerited grace, we should have a deep desire to help, serve God's people and offer this same grace to others.

When we are aligned with God's will, we will see His most rewarding work come to fruition, but with this reward we know that we will endure many trials and challenges. This alone can deter us from accomplishing what we are called to do, because we know these trials can be exhausting mentally, physically, emotionally and even spiritually. I encourage you not to lose heart because being obedient to God's good works will be the most rewarding experiences we engage in here on earth.

It reminds me of parenting. At times our children will test us and push us to our limits and when they fall short of doing their best, we are called to be patient and gentle with them. We are to give them grace and be merciful toward them, while loving them unconditionally and forgiving them of their mistakes. Sound familiar? This sounds like the unmerited grace God gives us when we fall short of doing His will, doesn't it? Every mistake we make is an opportunity for God to train and redirect us. Just as we are proud of our children when they work hard and live honorably, God is also proud of us when we do the same.

In James 1:2-3 ESV we are told "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."

Receiving God's unmerited grace means we have God's favor; that favor is deeply rooted in His unconditional love. Grace is an undeserved gift that God freely gives us despite our flaws and imperfections and regardless of whether we are deserving of it or not.

Romans 5:8 ESV

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Friends, whatever work God is calling you to do I hope that you will remain obedient and stay focused on the eternal rewards that He has in store for you. Remember to keep God's perspective of each trial you endure and know that He will reward us when we endure and remain faithful to Him. Each experience is an opportunity for our faith to be strengthened and renewed, trust Him because He is trustworthy!

Galatians 6:9 NIV

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime