Keep On Keeping On

Have you ever worked at something for a long time and not experienced the hoped for results? Hour after hour. Day after day. Month after month. Year after year. You’ve tried your hardest. You’ve disciplined yourself. You’ve persevered. Yet there is little if any fruit to show for your labor.

You moms know what I’m talking about. You prayer warriors who have drenched your floors in tears over the soul of a loved one know what I’m talking about. You wives who aren't giving up on your marriage. Those of you who are chasing a God-sized dream understand. The work God has called us to, while wonderful, can sometimes weary us until we feel we might break.

Jesus’ disciples understood too. They were out on the Sea of Galilee one night doing what they do...fishing. They were not newbies at this work; on the contrary, they were skilled and had experienced success in the past.  But this night was different. They caught nothing. Morning came and there was nothing to show for their work.

Then Jesus showed up.

“Friends, haven’t you any fish?” Jesus asked.

“No,” they answered.

He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish (John 21:1-6).

This account from the Bible highlights three principles we can apply to our lives.

1.  When we feel most at a loss is when Jesus is most likely to show up and show off. Note: We saw this principle last week, too, in my post about Mary Magdalene.

2.   God wants us to remain humble, diligent and patient in the work he has given us to do. When we don’t give up, he will abundantly bless our labor in his own way and in his own time.

3.  Nothing we do is wasted when we do life with God.

So keep on keeping on, my friend! Though weeping may last for the night, joy comes in the morning (Psalms 30:5). Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy (Psalms 126:5).

God is faithful to his word. Your songs of joy are being written through your songs of sorrow. Let’s tell our hearts today to keep beating with thankfulness for all the good God has already done. And be sure of this, my Chosen and Crowned friend, he will do it again! Praise him who is worthy of our praise!  

Anna Frye is a speaker, author, television host and founder of the Chosen and Crowned tribe. She invites moms and wives to celebrate imperfect progress fueled by the grace of a perfect God. She helps women bravely talk about the messy places of life, instead of hiding shamefully under them. She believes that lasting beauty comes when women courageously surrender their ashes to God and allow him to do something mind-blowingly amazing with them. If this resonates with you, then you belong with the Chosen and Crowned tribe. Connect at www.ChosenAndCrowned.com/blog