When the Work Feels Too Hard: Day Five
Day 5: Fishing with a Guarantee
Devotional
Imagine going fishing with an absolute guarantee that you're going to catch something. That's exactly what God offered Paul in Corinth - not just His presence and protection, but the promise of fruitful ministry. "I have many people in this city," God told him, assuring Paul that his faithfulness would not be in vain. This promise transformed Paul's entire ministry approach. Instead of wondering if his efforts would bear fruit, he could focus on simply staying faithful and speaking boldly. God had already prepared hearts; Paul's job was to trust and obey. After receiving this divine encouragement, Paul stayed in Corinth for eighteen months - one of his longest ministry stays. The result? A thriving church that would impact the ancient world and whose letters we still read today. Paul's weakness became the launching pad for one of his most fruitful seasons of ministry. The same principle applies to your life today. When you feel weak and wonder if your faithfulness matters, remember that God has already prepared hearts around you. Your job isn't to manufacture results - it's to stay faithful and keep speaking truth in love. Maybe you've been serving, praying, giving, and showing up, but lately you feel tired and defeated. You feel the bruises of ministry and wonder if it's worth it. If this is you, hear the Lord's gentle voice: "Do not be afraid. I am with you. Don't stay quiet. Stay faithful." God's promises never fail. When you combine your faithfulness with His sovereignty, fruit is inevitable. You're not fishing in empty waters - you're fishing with a guarantee from a sovereign God.
All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. - John 6:37
Reflection Question
Where in your life do you need to shift from trying to manufacture results to simply staying faithful and trusting God's promise that your obedience will bear fruit?
“Our job is simply to stay and to speak, trusting that God's promises never fail.” -Pastor Mike Mura
Prayer
Father, help me to trust that You have already prepared hearts to respond to the gospel. Give me the motivation to stay faithful even when I can't see immediate results, knowing that Your promises never fail and my obedience will bear fruit in Your perfect timing. Amen.