October 24                                     Ps 70 - 72

SECRET LABOURS

MEMORISE: 'And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.' (Gal 6:9)
READ: Matthew 6:5 -6

'Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abigail the uncle of Mordecai who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the King, she required nothing but what Hegai the King's Chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her' (Esth 2:15).

Esther had lost both parents earlier in life and was raised by her uncle Mordecai. He was one of the palace workers. He must have raised Esther in strict compliance with the word of God. As she remained a virgin until the contest. His word was law to Esther. Even if Esther did not fully know why her uncle was so strict with her, she obeyed him and kept away from all defilement. If she had lived in defiance, she would have become defiled and therefore unworthy to take part in the contest. Hers was a surrendered life.

We can learn a few lessons here. Mordecai raised Esther, who an orphan and appeared to have no future. Yet she was the one who eventually brought him into greatness. Those young ones under you today with seemingly no future, may be the ones to bring you into greatness tomorrow. Also, as at the time Mordecai was raising Esther, there was no vacancy for Queen, he just did what he knew best to do. God saw this and picked his cousin to deliver the Jews.

There may be no special attention given to your labour for the Lord. In fact, rather than approval or commendation, you may earn a sharp rebuke, disgrace and discouragement. But never mind. There is someone taking note of everything you do. He promised that there is profit in all labour. He is not unjust to forget all your labours of love towards his Name. You will surely reap, but do not give up before then. Galatians 6:9 says: 'And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.' Your secret efforts in prayers and sowing will one day come to light. Don't give up.

ACTION POINT
Remember that all your righteous labours for the Lord are well documented. You will surely reap them if you do not faint.