{ Day 147 }

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. —1 Corinthians 15:58

God wants us to be relationally oriented first and achievement oriented second. Yes, we are to do the Great Commission, but who we are in Him is far more important than what we do for Him. Christ’s kingdom is established in this way. He does indeed want us to sow spiritual seed and cultivate a spiritual garden. To know we are loved, to actually feel God’s affection, is more vital to our growth to be a wholehearted lover of God. This is our life source. This is the essence of true success. When we are relationally oriented first, we do not work in ministry because of a need to feel successful. We already feel successful because of our relationship with Jesus. We launch out and do the work of the Great Commission from a foundation of success. This sense of success equips us to continue working even when we face adversity. But if we work because we are trying to achieve success, we will burn out quickly through added temptation and strife.

{ PRAYER STARTER }

Father, I want to continue growing in my relationship with You. My relationship with You is the focus of my life. Knowing You love me and desire to be with me empowers me to work to fulfill Your Great Commission.

Once we are successful in this spiritual sense,
then we can serve Him in ministry with
deeper obedience and perseverance.