How hard it is to be steadfast in ministry to people who, day after day, week after week, never seem to improve. Have you ever laid awake at night wondering, "Lord, isn't it time to give up on so and so yet? I don't see any fruit. I don't want to face her one more day."

If you've been thinking along these lines tonight, be encouraged. The Apostle Paul went through the same thing at times, for he wrote: "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (I Corinthians 15:58, NKJV). The Amplified translation elaborates on this by saying, "Knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile—never wasted or to no purpose."

What a restful thought to know that, although, we may not see the fruit, no labor for God is ever wasted.

The Lord reminded me of this the other night. Just as I was preparing to go to bed the phone rang. It was a young girl we had ministered to for months. But even with our counsel and support, she was in and out of mental hospitals, had attempted suicide, and had finally moved out of town. She was calling to say that she now had a steady job, had turned back to the Lord, and was writing a book!

You see, the Lord doesn't ever expect us to change a life—only to be steadfast and willing to continue His work.

Heavenly Father, I thank You that nothing I do in You is in vain. I now renounce any temptations to give up on others before Your time. Renew my faith in Your work in them, even though I may not see it. Help me to be steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord. In Jesus' Name, Amen.