God’s Story... For My Life
Is my work useless?
Read Deuteronomy 28:15–29:1
You will go mad because of all the tragedy you see around you.
(Deuteronomy 28:34)
Reflect
Do you ever feel that you will go crazy if you hear about one more rape, kidnapping, murder, or war? The barrage of bad news can leave us feeling powerless and despondent. Much of the world’s evil is a result of people’s failure to acknowledge and obey God. One of the curses God promised for those who disobeyed him was that they would go mad from seeing so much tragedy.
But tragedy is not the end of the story.
We don’t groan helplessly as unbelievers do who have no hope for the future. Paul reminded the Corinthians that Jesus’ Resurrection gives us victory over death. One day, we will also be resurrected like Jesus was. As a result, Paul encouraged them, “Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Even though we are surrounded by tragedy and death and effort and failure in our world, our work is not useless. God, who brings life to dead bodies, will bring life to our failed attempts and wasted efforts.
Respond
Have you felt frustrated or despairing lately? Is there a project you’re working on where you feel like you’re spinning your wheels? God sees all you’re doing, and he will not forget it. Though you may not accomplish everything you’d planned to, God will bring a just reward to you as you faithfully strive in your daily activities.