Keep Going

Read

1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

Think

In 1890, Vincent van Gogh died believing he was a failure. He had sold only a handful of paintings, living in poverty and isolation, unaware that his art would one day be treasured worldwide. In 2017, one of his paintings sold for over $81 million. He never lived to see the impact his work would have. There’s a beautiful scene in Doctor Who where Van Gogh is brought to a modern-day museum and sees crowds of people admiring his art. He’s overwhelmed, realizing his life’s work wasn’t in vain. How often do we, like Van Gogh, feel like what we’re doing doesn’t matter?

You might be feeling that way today—wondering if the small acts of kindness, love, or service you offer make any difference. Getting discouraged is easy when you don’t see immediate results or recognition. But even when you can’t see the outcome, your actions matter. Early church father Ignatius of Antioch once said, “A tree is known by its fruit; those who profess themselves to be Christians will be recognized by their actions.” Your small, faithful acts produce fruit, even if you can’t see it right now.

Much like Van Gogh’s paintings, the true value of your actions may not be fully realized until much later. God sees your faithfulness, and he is working through you, even in the small things. You may not see the full impact of your kindness, prayers, or service, but that doesn’t mean they’re insignificant. Trust that God is using you in ways beyond what you can imagine.

Apply

Do one small act of kindness—send an encouraging message, volunteer to serve at church this weekend, or offer a simple smile. Trust that even the smallest actions can have a significant impact, even if you don’t see the results immediately.

Pray

Lord, sometimes I feel like what I’m doing doesn’t matter. Help me to trust that you are working through me, even in the smallest acts of love and service. Give me faith to keep going, knowing you see and value all I do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.