Are You Discouraged in Christian Service?

There are so many people out there doing wonderful things to make a difference in our world.  I am so thankful for our soldiers, the professionals helping people with the Ebola virus, storm chasers who help to warn us of the direction of storms (as well as all the wonderful technology!), ED personnel who keep a good attitude even though they're constantly being challenged, police officers and firemen who continually put themselves in harm's way to save another. Thank God for mailmen and garbage men, and for that smiling face when you get your coffee or favorite beverage. Mental health workers and social workers are also so giving of themselves every day, with so much patience and kindness toward those who are struggling in so many ways. So many people make a difference in our lives. I think the best way to thank them is to be one of those smiling faces, someone with a good attitude in all that you do, making someone else's day special!

As with all of these types of services, Christian service is also so important, and all of these can become draining at times. Pastors, Sunday School teachers, Christian school teachers, music leaders and singers/musicians, Bible study leaders, nursery workers, treasurers, church secretaries, ushers, sanitation engineers - you name it! All these positions can be time consuming and wearisome. Most people serve in their local churches as volunteers in their spare time, above and beyond their normal jobs. We are having a Christian Service Appreciation Day coming up at our church, and I'm so excited about it! It gives us an opportunity to thank them, and reflect upon all that they do to help others, and to further the cause of Christ.

There are days when even the what-seem-to-be-hardiest workers get weak and tired, and feel like quitting. I've been there, maybe not to the point of wanting to quit, but just feeling so unworthy and discouraged. Well, we are unworthy! It's Christ who is worthy of our praise. But fortunately for us, He has chosen to use the base things of this world to bring glory to God the Father. That means we qualify! What a privilege it is to serve others for Christ. I wrote this song, and it's based on Philippians 1:6: "Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." It will be my opening song for my 3rd album: Walking with Joy: Singing Philippians. I hope you enjoy this, and are encouraged by the words and truth from Scripture.

Confidence in Christ

By Dawn Foss

Verse 1

In a life of Christian service

Do you feel inadequate?

You’re not good enough, or someone’s better,

And you feel like you should quit.

Perhaps the lack of money scares you,

Or your talent’s not enough.

Crowds aren’t gathering to cheer you,

You feel so small, and life is rough.

Chorus

Being confident of this very thing,

That He which hath begun a good work in you

Will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ,

Now that’s a promise from God to you.

Verse 2

Why can you be confident?

Because God will see it through.

You obey because you love Him,

And you know what He can do.

You may not see this side of heaven

Rewards for long, hard hours.

God sees your tears, your sweat, your worry,

Trust His awesome, living power!

 

Verse 3

 

Jesus won’t quit, don’t you worry,

He will not forsake His own.

Know you’re loved, He cares about you,

Comforts you when you’re alone.

He has a plan that’s far beyond you,

What a privilege to belong

On his ever-faithful work team,

So look upward, marching strong!

Bridge

Confidence in Christ is the secret to endurance,

The burden’s not on you, so have this blest assurance: 

(chorus)