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It can be discouraging at times when we work our heart out for the Lord
and yet our efforts seem to go unnoticed. It is very important that we
recognize our role in the body of Christ and know that each job we have
makes a difference even though others may not realize it. Never allow the
enemy to discourage your efforts and make you feel as if your work is all
in vain. The simplest of tasks accomplishes more than you might ever think
or imagine. (1 Corinthians 12:18-24) (Isaiah 55:10-11) (Ephesians 3:20-21)
This is a good story that shows in illustration form how God's Work is
affected when a member of His body gets discouraged and quits. If you are
feeling down and want to give up in the area where God has placed you, then
I hope this story will encourage you and rekindle the fire within your spirit.
THE TOE-TAPPER
One day a wise man came to a small town. He needed a place to stay so he
went to the first church he found. Inside, a small group of people argued
about how they could best please God.
"I'll help you," the man said, "but you must promise to use what I give
you to glorify God."
"Oh, we will," the people assured him. "We will."
He gave each of them gifts--one was to be a pianist, another a flutist. To
one he gave a cello, to another a violin, and to yet another he gave the
role of toe-tapper.
The people worked long and hard to prepare a song of praise for the church.
The music became more and more beautiful.
One afternoon during practice the violinist said to the pianist, "I'm so
glad I have the important job of playing the violin. I'd sure hate to be
only a toe-topper." The toe-tapper was so hurt that he went home.
The next day, when the group met to practice, nothing came together right.
Finally, the flutist said, "Without that toe-tapper here I don't know when
to come in for my part." They started over time and time again, but the
music sounded terrible.
It was then that the violinist spoke up in a very sad voice. "I'm sorry.
This is all my fault. I thought I was so important that I didn't need the
help of the toe-tapper. I was wrong!"
So he led the way to the toe-tapper's house and asked him to come back with
them. The toe-tapper agreed and once again the music was beautiful.
Then, one Sunday, they play their music in church. God looked down and
smiled. I think He even winked at the toe-tapper.
By Joan Sparks
The Lord has a special position for each of His children. There is no one
part that is more important than the other. Whether our job is to drive the
church bus, to orchestrate the choir in the church service, or to preach
the Gospel to the lost; our position must be looked at as a service unto
the Lord and not something where we seek glorification. It is important
that we always give God all the Glory for the work that we do because it is
not in our power that people change and are impacted, but it is by the
Spirit of God, and that's why He always deserves the Glory, the Honor and
the Praise. (Romans 12:4-10) (Isaiah 42:8) (Zechariah 4:6)
I hope you have found some refreshment in this message to never give up in
the area where God has called you, but rather to continue on and stay
faithful in that task no matter how hard the enemy may try to discourage
you. You are loved by the Lord greatly and only in heaven will you know the
reward for being God's faithful servant. (Jeremiah 31:3) (Matthew 25:21)
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 "Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our
outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a
far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the
things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things
which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal."
1 Corinthians 12:26-28 "And if one member suffers, all the members suffer
with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now
you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed
these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after
that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties
of tongues."
2 Timothy 4:6-8 "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering,
and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I
have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up
for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge,
will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have
loved His appearing."
Hebrews 12:1-3 "…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily
ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy
that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has
sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who
endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary
and discouraged in your souls."
All scriptures can be found in the New King James Version.
Today's Selected Poem: HE HAS NOT FORGOTTEN YOU
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem155.htm
In Christ's Service,
Dwayne Savaya
Gods Work Ministry |
