Devotion: Does Anyone See What I Do?

on June 18, 2013

Encouragement for the Discouraged or Undervalued

My Beloved Child,

I see you. I see your work. Day in and day out. I see it all (Job 34:21).

I see each text message or coffeehouse chat with the youth. I see the difficult conversations with parents. I see the late night phone calls and early morning times of prayer. I see, and I will not forget your work. I will not forget the love you have shown Me as you have served my people and continue to help them (Hebrews 6:10-12).

I understand. I understand your frustration when three people ask you in one day what you do with all your “free time” or ask things like, “You mean this is your full-time job?” I see the joyful days and I see the days you just want to quit. I see when you get treated as “less than.”

I see all of that and I want you to know that your faithfulness will not go unrewarded (Matthew 5:12). Your work is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Stick with it. Stand firm. Having this ministry by My mercy, do not lose heart (2 Corinthians 4:1). This light, momentary affliction is nothing compared to the glory waiting for you in eternity. Don’t look at the things seen, for they are temporary. Focus on the unseen; it will last forever (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

Remember the ways I’ve used you. Recall the joy that comes in seeing another student take a step closer to me. Recount the times I’ve used your prayers as part of my plan to free students from the slavery of their sin. Trust me: it’s worth every minute, every tear, every sleepless night. It’s worth it all. Even if no one else sees it, I do and I will meet all your needs according to my glorious, abundant, overflowing riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19).

Always,

The One Who Sees

Published June 18, 2013

Devo-Encouragement Devo-For Youth Workers

About the author

Rebekah Freed

Rebekah Freed is Kansas-grown girl who now lives in cornfields of Nebraska (with a 9-year stop in Buffalo, NY). She currently serves the students of Concordia University, Nebraska as the Director in the Student Life Office and loves helping youth and young adults know how much Jesus loves them. (Hint: It’s a lot!) She is a Director of Christian Education (DCE) and has a master's degree in Discipleship in the context of Trauma and Crisis Response. She enjoys kayaking, conversations about things that matter, fresh-baked cookies, the sound of little kids giggling, sunshine, traveling, a fuzzy blanket on a cold winter day, hugs from her nieces, hiking, peanut butter chip ice cream, and celebrating the everyday blessings in life …often with confetti! She occasionally writes about ministry and life at joyfullblessedblog.com.

View more from Rebekah