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Daily Treasure
Daily Treasure is a 365-day devotional written by published author Sharon Betters and the occasional guest author. Every entry in this 365-day devotional embodies the power of God’s Word to encourage, equip, and energize the reader to walk by faith in the pathway God has marked out for them, regardless of its challenges. Devotions includes a treasure from God’s Word, life-giving applications, guided prayers, and a challenge to reflect God’s love in a way that helps turn hearts toward Jesus.
Daily Treasure
The Lord Helps Us Find Purpose in the Mundane - What She Said Part 14 - Week 1 Day 4
TODAY'S TREASURE
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58
The Lord Helps Us Find Purpose in the Mundane
Marissa Bondurant, Guest Writer
Today’s Treasure
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58
What are your least favorite caregiving tasks? I can think of several things I wish I could outsource! Sometimes, the most tedious things can feel like a waste of my time. But this verse in Corinthians changes my perspective of even the most menial parts of caregiving.
Paul is telling believers that our labor is not in vain. It has significance and purpose in God’s kingdom. Paul can say this because of what he said before: that Christ rose from the dead. He encourages that if Christ truly rose from the dead (which He did), then all of your work (even the menial, the tedious, the exhausting, and the exacerbating) – has a purpose! Nothing is wasted. None of your works “die” or “disintegrate”. Rather, every task done in love is resurrected, redeemed, and valued for eternity.
So, what are you to do with this hope? Paul says to remain steadfast and immovable in the tasks the Lord has given you to do. Abound in the work of the Lord – go over and above what looks reasonable to the world. It might mean visiting mom even when dementia has made her mean and unpleasant. It might mean risking being disliked by advocating for better services for your child at school. Name your least favorite caregiver task: _____. Even that thing (maybe especially that thing) is what you are called to remain steadfast in doing because it is not in vain!
Your salvation and reconciliation with God are not dependent on any of your good works, but the Lord rejoices in your work that is done in faith and for His glory. And He will reward you in heaven for the ways you die to yourself and serve others. 1 Corinthians 15:58 is a reminder that persevering in caring for your loved one is a work of eternal value and one which moves you toward hearing the wonderful words “well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).
In the tedious and frustrating parts of caregiving, ask your friends to pray fervently for you. Invite the Holy Spirit to sustain you and change your attitude. Be steadfast in this calling that God has placed on your life for this season, and trust that your labor is not in vain.
LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
What is your least favorite caregiving task? How do these verses change your perspective on that task? What is one thing you can do today to increase your joy in serving your loved one?
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, caregiving is hard. So many thankless, tedious tasks fill my days. Thank You for understanding the weight of caring for others. You have shown us what it means to die to self and put others first. Give me the strength to lay down my life for my loved one and to rejoice in the tasks You’ve set before me. In Jesus Name. Amen.
