Devotional

Working for God

Ready 
"Work hard, but not just to please your masters when they are watching. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free."

-Ephesians 6:6-8 

Set 
I walked into the weight room scared to death. I had decided to walk on at a Division I school. Ever since third grade, it had been my dream to go to the NCAA Tournament, but as high school ended, no offers came. My mom and I sent letters to several Div. I schools, and Mississippi State University was the first to send me something back. After I visited the campus, I knew that was where God wanted me. And as I walked into the weight room that day, my dream lay right in front of me.
 
At Mississippi State, I became very involved in FCA, and it seemed that God had really been using me. But after the first season, things became very hard and frustrating to me. Now in my second year, I have hardly played. I understood that coming in, but it is still hard. But through this, God has been teaching me about why working for Him is different than working for people. I read Ephesians 6:6-8, and it really convicted me. I asked myself, "Am I doing that? Am I working for God, or just trying to accomplish what I think I have always wanted?"
 
Later, I was reading through the FCA student-athlete devo and came across three Scriptures: Jeremiah 29:11, Galatians 2:20 and Galatians 6:7-8. First, God knows the plans for all of our lives and if I am working for Him, then why should I worry about the road that lies ahead? It is the road that He has already paved for me with things that will bring Him glory. Second, I have been crucified with Christ. It is not even me living in this earthly body. Once I accepted Christ, I agreed to suffer with Him and have joy with Him. Lastly, I will reap what I sow. The Scriptures clearly say that in Galations 6. If I continue to feel sorry for what I have not gained in this life, I will only reap that sorry attitude.
 

God is still working in my life about working for Him, even when things do not seem fair or right. He has a plan for me, I just have to submit and realize that I will see the benefits one day. He loves and cares about each of us. Hopefully you will see that when you realize He has a great plan for you, even if it is not what you expected. 

Go 
1. Are you worried about what God has not done in your life? 
2. Who is working in and through you today? Jesus or your flesh?

3. What have you sowed today that is worth reaping tomorrow? 

Workout 
Jeremiah 29:11
Galatians 2:20

Galatians 6:7-8 

Bible Reference: 
Ephesians 6
Sport 
Ministry