Encouragement for the Discouraged or Undervalued
My Beloved Child,
I see you. I see your work. Day in and day out. I see it all (Job 34:21).
I see each text message or coffeehouse chat with the youth. I see the difficult conversations with parents. I see the late night phone calls and early morning times of prayer. I see, and I will not forget your work. I will not forget the love you have shown Me as you have served my people and continue to help them (Hebrews 6:10-12).
I understand. I understand your frustration when three people ask you in one day what you do with all your “free time” or ask things like, “You mean this is your full-time job?” I see the joyful days and I see the days you just want to quit. I see when you get treated as “less than.”
I see all of that and I want you to know that your faithfulness will not go unrewarded (Matthew 5:12). Your work is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Stick with it. Stand firm. Having this ministry by My mercy, do not lose heart (2 Corinthians 4:1). This light, momentary affliction is nothing compared to the glory waiting for you in eternity. Don’t look at the things seen, for they are temporary. Focus on the unseen; it will last forever (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
Remember the ways I’ve used you. Recall the joy that comes in seeing another student take a step closer to me. Recount the times I’ve used your prayers as part of my plan to free students from the slavery of their sin. Trust me: it’s worth every minute, every tear, every sleepless night. It’s worth it all. Even if no one else sees it, I do and I will meet all your needs according to my glorious, abundant, overflowing riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19).
Always,
The One Who Sees