your labor is not in vain

I was cleaning up my files when I saw this writing, dated September 8, 2008. I don't even remember what prompt me to write this, or where I learned it from (Most likely from truthforlife broadcast, or as a response for the video from nooma). I just know that it bless my heart today. So, as you read it, I pray that you may be blessed too.

Remember when Elijah was on Mount Carmel and the LORD demonstrated His power in the form of fire that fell and burned up the sacrifice? (1 Kings 18:38). The response from the people was totally understandable: they fell prostrate and cried "The Lord-he is God! The Lord-he is God!" (v39). But then when Queen Jezebel heard about the things that had happened on the mount, she had a quite different response: She swore that she would kill Elijah the same way as the 450 prophets of Baal was slaughtered.

Elijah might be wondering, how come after the obvious demonstration of God's power, Jezebel still hardened her heart and refused to acknowledge that the Lord is indeed God. What seemed to be a victorious event turned out to be not enough to lead Jezebel and Ahab into repentance. Then Elijah cried out in frustration and prayed that he might die "I have had enough, Lord," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors."

In similar ways, many of us who are involved in God's ministry often times deals with frustration similar to Elijah's. We witnessed the Lord at work and we know there is no other appropriate response than to worship and praise Him and hail Him as Lord and King of our lives. But not everyone responded to God in the same way. And like Elijah, we started to think that probably all the sacrifices we made for God were in vain because people were not drawn to Him.

Over and over again, God keep reminding us that it is the Holy Spirit who is at work to turn people to repentance. It is not what we do or say. Over and over again God also reminds us that He delights in our obedience above anything else.

Focus on God, and He will take care of the people (learned from Nana)