Reformation Lutheran 1997 Lenten Devotional - Number 25
March 8, 1997. Today's Bible verse is Isaiah 42: 5-9
Good Deed?
Last week I was angry and frustrated. I had done
a favor for a coworker, yet the outcome was not what I had anticipated.
Rather than being grateful for my concern and help, somehow everything
was now my fault. Certainly, not the response I expected when
I had offered to help.
That same day I shared my frustration with a supervisor
in another office. She informed me that after years of having
the same thing happen to her, her motto was "No good deed
goes unpunished!" She's right I thought angrily. It just
doesn't pay to care about or try to help others. Why bother?
Why...; because that's what God has called us to
do. As Christians we are obligated to love and serve others,
as we love and serve our Lord. Not just when they thank us and
appreciate our care and concern, but always. Through our service
to others we can also be a witness to our faith, to "..be
a light to guide the nations unto me." God has called us
to "...demonstrate his righteousness." We can do no
less.
Does that mean I no longer get frustrated when the
things I do for others do not turn out as I expected? No. Most
times, I try to laugh and often say, "No good deed goes unpunished."
It helps.
Yet deep within me, I know that God has called me
to serve and that service to others brings a joy and happiness
unparalleled.
Prayer: Dear
Father, please continue to give me strength and encouragement
when I am lacking. Help me see the joy that comes from love and
service to others. Help me be Your light to guide the nations
unto You. Amen.
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