The Apostle Paul described life as a marathon. Sometimes, what makes it even more grueling to most people is the discouragement and lack of appreciation one experiences along the way. This message is for those times when you feel that nothing you do is good enough or even matters. I wrote it specially for a friend of mine who was feeling discouraged, but it can be applied to everyone! Read it when you’re feeling down. It goes as follows:
“Christ stood as the most unappreciated and rejected character in the history of the world. He saw the cross looming before Him (Luk 9:31), but also knew that the number of those who would reject Him were like the sand of the seashore (Rev 20:8-9). However, He also saw that His sacrifice would bring many sons to glory (Heb 2:10). Christianity is a package deal, and no matter how much we try to throw the cross of self-denial, pain and rejection out of the package, we cannot succeed. True disciples are called to carry the cross daily. Jesus said: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.” (Matt 16:24)
Each of us has a different cross to bear, but know one thing-Christ’s cross was the heaviest cross for He bore the sins, shame and rejection of the whole world (2 Cor 5:21, John 11:50-52). Sometimes life is not about finding out what WE want, its being still in His presence and listening to His voice telling us what He wants from us-where He wants us to go, what He has planned for us to accomplish and who He wants us to become. Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, embraced the will of His Father though it cost Him His life. You may be assigned thankless tasks in life, but do them without complaining, for the glory of God. John the Baptist, as his ministry faded into obscurity, said: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” This world has put a lot of emphasis on “finding yourself” when really, what we should be focusing on is returning to the God who fashioned us in His likeness and desires a relationship with each and every one of us.
Work not for the appreciation of men, for it is better to seek the praise of God than men. Men’s praise is empty flattery, while God does not lie. The sweetest words you will hear one day will be said by Christ the Master Himself, when He says of you: “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter ye into the joy that was prepared for you before the foundation of the world.” (Matt 25:21-34)
Remember in your time of trials, and indecision: Jesus loves you and has the perfect plan for your life. Don’t fight it-just surrender to Him. Walk in the dust of Your Rabbi, and do not put your trust in mere mortal men.”
The essence of discipleship-take up your cross and follow the Master!
Scripture refs: Luke 9:31, Rev 20:8-9, Heb 2:10, Matt 16:24, 2 Cor 5:21, John 11:50-52, Matt 25:21-34
