Don’t Stop Now

Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him. Genesis 6:22 ESV

Noah did all that God commanded him. This phrase (and variations thereof) is repeated several times throughout the Bible, typically in association with individuals who held an important role in God’s divine plan. Abraham “went, as the Lord had told him” (Genesis 12:1-4). As for Moses, Exodus 40:16 and Numbers 17:11 tell us that “according to all that the Lord commanded, so he did.” Joshua is another great example. Joshua 11:15 says, “Just as the Lord had commanded Moses his servant, so Moses commanded Joshua, and so Joshua did. He left nothing undone of all that the Lord had commanded Moses.”

He left nothing undone of all that the Lord had commanded Moses – I wonder, can the same be said of me? I’ll confess, more than once I’ve been tempted to stop writing. Some was legit like a recent struggle I had with brain fog. Other times, I listened to the enemy whisper discouragement into my ear. That’s when God reminded me that my ministry should be grounded, not on the world’s definition of success, but on His calling upon my life.

Let me ask you a question: are you thinking of quitting? Has discouragement replaced zeal for the Lord’s service? My friend don’t stop now. There is a lot of territory out there left unconquered. There are a lot of half-built arks waiting to be completed. Stay in the race, conquer the land, finish that ark. God has not called you to a life of fame and success, but to a life of faithful service, regardless of results or seeming lack thereof.

You may not see the fruit of your ministry here on earth but one day, you will discover just how God used you to touch hearts and lives for eternity. Just to hear the Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matthew 25:23) will be reward enough. Imagine the joy in knowing you left nothing undone of all that the Lord had commanded you.

Prayer: Lord, at times the calling you have placed on my life can become so heavy and burdensome. Remind me that you have not called me to a life of great fame and success but to a life of faithful service. Encourage – even today – those who are tempted to give up. Restore their minds and hearts. Strengthen them through your Word and through words of encouragement from fellow believers. May we stay in the race until it is complete. In your name we pray, Amen.

Thought: “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” – Unknown.