Sometimes it can be challenging to keep going.

Whether it’s staying disciplined or staying positive, working toward healing or continuing to serve, it can be tough to keep putting ourselves out there —particularly when we don’t see immediate results or rewards.

Maybe no one is noticing all those extra things you do, and others always seem to get the recognition. Maybe the situation you’ve been ministering in for months (or years) doesn’t seem to be making a difference. Maybe that prayer request looms on, seemingly unanswered. Perhaps you just can’t seem to catch a break. Or you keep stumbling over the same things. We get hurt. We get discouraged. Frustrated. Tired.

In moments like these, it’s so tempting to wonder if your investment is really worth the effort.

If you are already feeling the guilt seep into your gut, let me stop you. You’re not alone in this. Moses was so overwhelmed with his big call that he asked God to put him out of his misery. Elijah ran away, exhausted and scared, after a big spiritual victory. Peter, unsure of what to do after Jesus died, seems to shrug his shoulders and go back to his old profession. Even King David, the man after God’s own heart, struggled with wanting to throw in the towel over the seeming unfairness of life. He wrote an entire Psalm about it (see Psalm 73)! 

But this verse seems to answer this issue directly.

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58, NASB)

It’s a reminder that, as Christ followers, we don’t really do what we do for ourselves. We’re not working out our own plans and purposes, after all. We’re witnesses, ambassadors, vessels, vines. We aren’t responsible for the outcomes, or for the reactions of others. We are responsible only for how we steward the special part we’ve been given to play.

As Christ followers, we don’t really do what we do for ourselves. We’re not working out our own plans and purposes, after all. We’re witnesses, ambassadors, vessels, vines.

Friend… don’t give up. We may not always be noticed, see results or get to observe the outcome of our investment right away, but we can be sure that God never wastes a thing. Trust that our awesome God values you so much, and He won’t let a single sacrifice you make for Him be a wasted effort.

If you’re there right now, let me take you to the remedy. In Psalm 73, David says in verse 16: “When I pondered to understand this (“this” being his frustration with how wicked people seem to prosper while he gets the shaft for his disciplined obedience), it was troublesome in my sight…UNTIL I came into the sanctuary of God; then I perceived their end.” (NASB) David felt bitter and frustrated about what he was seeing around him. The only thing that could snap him back into the eternal perspective was getting away from it all and sitting in the presence of the Lord. At the height of the battle, he retreated to the Lord.

So you do that too.

Go, grab your Bible, a cup of coffee, and a journal. Sit outside, listen to worship music that inspires you, and remember that this is all temporary.

Go, grab your Bible, a cup of coffee, and a journal. Sit outside, listen to worship music that inspires you, and remember that this is all temporary. Let Him lift up your chin, look lovingly into your eyes, and remind you that He sees and celebrates you. Let Him listen to all your concerns, hurts, and frustrations. Let the encouragement of His word and the outcomes of the Bible give you a great big hug and gentle redirection.

Once you do, you’ll have just what you need to do that about-face and march back into the battle.

You’ve got this. Because He’s got you. Keep marching on, soldier.