1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 ESV
“We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
From the garden, humanity has been called to labor and to work. We work to maintain our earth, work to maintain families or our own personal health and wellbeing. We work to maintain our own spiritual health and the health of others. We toil and strive for different outcomes and goals and all the while we work for the Lord. The work of missions is one that is hard work. It takes you and pulls you out of your comfort zone and a very heavy call on your life. Your spiritual and emotional strength is tested daily, though the work is rewarding. Every part of you is suddenly pulled into the light, and you have to work through your struggles while caring for the ones you are called to. It is not light work.
Recently, I have been reminded of the Prayer of Compline and the work that Jesus did while he was on earth. Whether it was carpentry as he grew up or his ministry as an adult, he toiled with us here on earth and it was good. It was ordinary. I want to encourage you, in whatever work that you do, that the Lord has his hands on it. He is looking after you and the work that you do is good in His sight.
“Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen.” From the Book of Common Prayer