While faithfully walking behind my lawnmower (yes, I still use a push, albeit self propelled mower) today I was reminded of a conversation I had with a pastor friend.  He was telling me how much he enjoyed painting.  Not painting a landscape scene on canvas but houses and interior rooms. I just cant imagine, but as we talked he explained.  “I love seeing the results.  Too many times in ministry we are never privileged enough to see results and my painting allows that privilege.”  Such it was for my yard work, I suppose.

My pastor friend was quick to say he realized the results were not up to him but rather to give his best in obedience to the Lord and God would take care of it, “but still”, he said, “it sure would be encouraging.”

Immediately, a blessing came to my mind.  I was working a series of summer camps a few years ago and was running on empty.  I was tired and I needed something in the way of encouragement.  As I headed to my next destination I asked the Lord for a word.  Something to encourage.  I arrived at the camp where I was met by a young man who asked that question I dislike perhaps more than most…. “Hey, remember me?”  Well, honestly, there was a glimmer of familiarity in his face but I was blank.  “I am associate student pastor at ___________ Baptist Church”, he said.  Since I hadnt done any ministry at that church, the riddle was still unanswered.  We talked for a moment then he said; “I was saved at a camp you did when I was in 6th grade.”  That’s it!  I remembered that and what an encouragement it was.  I was so excited and thankful and knew God was going to do something special at the camp.  This camp involved over 15 churches with approximately 350 pre teen kids.  Well, as God often does, He reinforced His encouragement.  That night, at the first worship session of the week, we had a good start and as everyone was leaving a man who had brought a group came up to me and told me his son had been saved in a camp I did.  I asked him where his son was now and it blessed my heart to overflowing when I was informed that his son was a Journeyman (Southern Baptist 2 year mission) in China.  To say I had received an overflowing reminder that God is in control, would be a huge understatement.

Listen Christian, there will be those times when you see immediate results of being used by God.  There will be many more times when you will never know, this side of heaven, the impact or effect you will have on someone else.  You are called to be faithful, that’s all.

Keep pressing on!