Have you been in trouble for the good you did?
If you have experienced hardship for your faith and obedience in Christ, you know what it is to be in the shoes of the persecuted.
Jesus healed, restored, loved, yet - he had opposition.
If Jesus could have rivals, it cannot be different for us. Can it?
There may be times when the good we intend could backfire in hurtful ways. Unfortunately, we may also see a delay in witnessing good results. It can get very annoying.
Are you closer to giving up the good work that you are doing?
If you are, take a step back and think about the cost of giving up.
You may be the only friend who has probably been a true friend to someone you are witnessing, yet they mock you.
You may be the only person brave enough to stand up against injustice.
You may be the reason why someone desires to know more about Jesus.
People may challenge your good intentions. But they can't challenge the reward God has kept for you in heaven if you persevere. (ref. Matthew 5:11-12)
Moses continued the difficult journey God had paved for him. Yet, despite all the delays and discouragements, he chose to obey God.
If one is willing, a journey filled with delay and discouragements can help develop patience and character by teaching us to lean on God, honor him and trust his Sovereignty. In addition, this phase can help us keep our eyes off the results we want to see and focus on God's will and our God-given purpose in life.
The key for us is in choosing between following Christ or giving up.
Are you looking for a reason to jump out of bed each day with an intent to do good?
If yes, you will find Galatians 6:9-10 and 1 Peter 3:13-17 as powerful motivating pills.
So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. - Galatians 6:9-10 NLT
Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! - 1 Peter 3:13-17 NLT
Please don't give up doing good even when it hurts.
Like a farmer cautiously sowing the best seeds and continuing to work hard on his ranch, let's continue to do good even amid opposition or hardship.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, when I get discouraged, it's not easy for me to do good. Still, I want to obey you and do the good work you have called me to do. I pray that you will show me how to leave a legacy of goodness to those you place in my life.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved