This morning I was reading from Isaiah 49 and a lot of it jumped out at me but something that I want to share with you is how often we do things for the Lord, unto and for man, and it can seem like it can go unnoticed, unrecognised or thanked. It can be as though we have done stuff for nothing. We may see no change in people through our prayers or effort and we can get discouraged for all that we do and sometimes we may even stop helping people because there is no thanks etc.
Isaiah 49:4 But I said, "I have laboured in vain;
I have spent my strength for nothing at all.
And that is how it feels at times and yet in the next verse is the encouragement and the reminder that I want to bring, rather that the Lord encouraged me with this morning that may encourage you.
"Yet what is due me is in the Lord's hand,
and my reward is with my God."
So as a reminder especially this Christmas as we give of ourselves for others and it may 'cost' a lot, remember that our reward is in Christ. And as Jesus was born and gave of himself to others, and especially when He went to the cross, many did not recognise the sacrifice he gave, may he be a reminder and an example of the joy that is to come as we continue to pour ourselves out for others.
Blessings to you all this Christmas