I struggled to find sleep as the light of an autumn moon slipped through the window blinds after a day of releasing expectations and fighting a vicious head cold. Despite a generous dose of decongestant and a thin layer of lavender-scented vapor rub, the fog in my heart and mind continued to taunt me. I wrestled with discontent in my professional life. I carried questions about faith and my impact for the kingdom of God. And truth be told, it was one of those moods where everything seemed in vain.
As a single woman in the corporate workforce, I know what it’s like to battle the inner turmoil that sometimes comes with feeling uncertain about where I belong in God’s purpose and plan. From time to time, I guess we all do it in one way or another when ordinary days seem like less than enough, and an unsettled whisper stirs deep inside. Where do I fit? Am I making a difference? Does my work even matter?
If you’re like me, you desire to live, love, and serve well, but when there is little evidence for the fruit of your labor, it’s easy to wonder if your small contribution leaves a lasting impression. As I lay in bed that night, the words of a friend came to mind after nearly an hour of tossing and turning.
She relayed a message from her son, who I hadn’t seen in years, and told me he recently mentioned an activity we did together over a decade ago when he was a young boy. She said it meant a lot to him. I remembered the event, but I didn’t realize the impact it had on him, and her words touched me.
As I pondered the experience with fresh perspective, I finally drifted off to sleep while verses from 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 floated through my subconscious. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
These words were given with specific meaning by the Apostle Paul long before you and I ever entered the world, yet the application still applies today. In and of ourselves, we are nothing. But through the love of God, we can impact lives without even realizing it.
Over the next several days, I thought of customers who thanked me for helping them through financial hardship and young people who extended gratitude for my investment in their childhood. In real-time, the moments didn’t always feel big or influential. But maybe that’s the beauty of it all.
You and I will likely never see the long-term yield of love and kindness. But each day, we have an opportunity to make deposits that gain interest over time. If we’re not mindful, doubt has the potential to sabotage love, but our confidence in God propels it into action. People who will never know your name are in line to receive your generosity. Together, may we be the ones who grab hold of faith and help cultivate an abundant harvest.
About Misty:
Misty McElroy is a blogger, podcast host, and corporate financial analyst who loves to help women cultivate faith and conquer overwhelm amid the unsettling moments of an ever-changing world. She writes with a fresh perspective designed to brighten your day and lighten your load as you discover proven success strategies through the foundation of God’s Word. Misty is a devotion contributor in the recent release of 40 Reminders God Is In Control: Devotions to Redirect your Worry into Worship by Proverbs 31 Ministries. Misty is a Florida native and loves a good adventure every now and then. She enjoys nature photography, true laugh-out-loud moments, and quality time with family and friends.
Connect with Misty:
https://www.instagram.com/
https://www.pinterest.com/
https://livebeyondthesurface.
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