TRUSTING GOD for MY REWARD

 

Rewards are compensations people normally expect for work or services they’ve performed. Employees rightfully expect their salaries; sometimes, even people who have done favors expect some type of reward or recognition.

God often followed His commandments with promises of a reward. For instance, He promised the Israelites victory over their enemies, time and time again, if they would obey Him. And He always kept His Word!

God promises to reward faithfulness in all kinds of situations. He does not have to, but He chooses to bless.

●     First and foremost, He promises to reward those who sincerely seek Him (see Hebrews 11:6) and He has.  That reward is the salvation of our souls (see 1 Peter 1:9).

●     He promises to reward us for meeting the needs of our enemies (see Proverbs 25:21-22). Can you identify any need your “enemy” has that you could meet? Then get to work in Jesus’ name!

●     When we fast privately and don’t seek human praise, He promises to reward us (see Matthew 6:18). When you fast or serve God in any way unless there’s a good reason for another person to know, keep it between you and God. “Don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (Matthew 6:3).

●     He will also reward us for being ready for the Lord’s return (see Luke 12:37). Are you looking forward to His return or are you busy chasing worldly things? (see 1 John 2:15-16). When He returns, may He find us diligently working, and eagerly waiting, for Him!

●     There is a reward for serving those who cannot afford to pay us back (see Luke 14:14). Do you remember why you invited couple A but didn't invite couple B, to that get-together? Whatever you do for others, make sure it’s not because they’ll be able to reciprocate the favor. Let’s do for those who cannot do back.

●     There’s a reward for being faithful in whatever we’ve been assigned to do in God’s vineyard—whether we sow, water, or lead a person in prayer for salvation (see 1 Corinthians 3:8). There’s no need to compete in the vineyard; instead, let’s support and encourage each other to fulfill our assignments with joy. How diligent have you been? Are you wishing you had another person’s assignment? Please don’t; your assignment is what God has equipped you for.

●     Christians who are slaves are encouraged to serve their earthly masters with fear, respect, sincerity, and enthusiasm, as serving the Lord. “The Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free” (Ephesians 6:8). How diligent are you on your job? Are you a hard worker only when your boss is around? Work as for God and in addition to your salary, He will reward you.

●     Are you going through persecution—are you being mocked and lied about? Jesus says, “Be happy about it! For a great reward awaits you in heaven” (Matthew 5:12). Heaven is worth a whole lot more than this world can throw at us. So, let’s not fear those who can do nothing else after destroying us; let’s fear Him who can destroy both body and soul in hell.

●     Do you ever feel your work for God is of no value because you don’t see any fruit? Take heart! The prophet Isaiah had a similar experience; he felt his work was useless, and he had spent up his strength for nothing and to no purpose. However, he comforted himself in the Lord: “I leave it all in the LORD’s hand; I will trust God for my reward” (Isaiah 49:4). God is more interested in our obedience than the results. After all, He makes things happen through our efforts. Our reward will be based more on our obedience and diligence than the results. As the hymn writer says, “Go labor on, spend and be spent, thy joy to do the Master’s will, it is the way the Master went. Should not the servant tread it still? Toil on faint not keep watch and pray, for toil comes rest, for exile home, soon shall thou hear the Master’s voice, the midnight cry—Behold, I come!” 

When the Lord finally assumes His throne and begins to reign, “It will be time to judge the dead and reward your servants the prophets, as well as your holy people, and all who fear your name” (Revelation 11:18). Are you ready for that day? I am looking forward to it; may it be soon!

Being God’s servants, we owe Him allegiance and service without compensation. In fact, He teaches us, “When you obey me you should say, 'We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty'” (Luke 17:10 NLT).

Since out of His love and abundance, He has promised to reward us, we can and should expect the reward with eagerness. God never goes back on His word, so we should never fear that we might be disappointed in the end.

Christian, what promises are you looking forward to seeing fulfilled? What are the associated conditions? Are you being faithful in keeping your end of the agreement? Remember that He fulfills His promises only when we have been faithful.

Being faithful has very little to do with the results or outcomes. God gives the increase in every situation. For instance, our role in soul-winning is not to convict or save souls; that is the work of the Holy Spirit. Our role is to faithfully share the gospel every chance we get, pray for our contacts, encourage them, and leave the results with God. Let’s be diligent, trusting God for our reward. He is faithful!