For His Glory (by Cathe Laurie)

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ” (Colossians 3:23–24 NLT).

We’re a results-driven society. We want to see the outcome of our actions. We want to know that our time and effort are worth something! And, if we’re really being honest, don’t we desire and crave the validation that brings?

Followers, financial gain, answered prayers, seeing God’s promises come to life. How are you counting your success?

When we’re walking out in faith, trusting in God, we want to see the outcome of that faith. We want the mountains moved, the waters parted, the people saved. And sometimes, we will!

But what happens if we don’t?

Checking Our Hearts

When we’re walking in faith, we need to check our hearts. If this story doesn’t end the way I think it’s going to—the way I pray it’s going to—can I still say with my whole heart and soul that God is good? Do I still trust Him? Do I still love Him with all of me and want more than anything to continue serving Him?

Sometimes, the Lord might lead us one direction and then ask us to pivot. He may use it to grow us, to teach us and shape us to be more like Him. He may ask us to do more than we feel ready to do. He may ask us to do something that we might never see the result of! And how do we react?

It depends on where your heart is.

If our foundation of faith is dependent on what we may earn in this life, we’re standing on shaky ground! But if we’re focusing our faith on what God can do through us and the eternal perspective of Heaven, we’re opening the door for God to work some miracles.

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ” (Colossians 3:23–24 NLT).

You May Never See Results on Earth

I have some news for you . . . you might never see the result of your faith here on earth. You might not get the validation you crave. You might not see the fame and glory that you long for.

But that doesn’t mean God isn’t moving.

You might not see that answered prayer—but it doesn’t mean God won’t answer it. You might never see that message reach its biggest audience—but that doesn’t mean God won’t take it there. You might not see the thousands your story and your faith will impact—but God does.

Friends, let me gently remind you . . . your faith is not about you. It’s about what God wants to do through you and how He wants to shape His Kingdom. And you get to be a part of it!

Whatever He’s called you to do, I want you to remember: It’s for HIS glory! And if we’re serving Him and Him alone, He will make our steps of faith far greater than we ever could imagine. And when we reach eternity, we’ll get to see just what He decided to do.

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Cathe Laurie is the founder and director of the Virtue women’s ministry. She is also a featured speaker on The Virtue Podcast, at Harvest events, and the author of As I See It. You can find her weekly articles here on harvest.org.