In this 1 Corinthians 15:58 devotional, we’ll explore the meaning of “your labor is not in vain” and find hope for those times when putting one foot in front of the other feels like an impossible task.
What does the Bible say about laboring in vain?
Does it seem like no matter how hard you work nothing ever changes? Are you worn out from the demands of daily life?
Believe me, I feel your pain. We’ve all been there and sometimes we just need a little inspiration to get through it.
No matter how weary or exhausted you feel right now, God doesn’t want you to remain there. He wants you to be energized and ready to take on the world. So, He gave us some much-needed inspiration for a time such as this. Here’s His promise for a worn-out, down-right tired heart.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV
What does your labor is not in vain mean?
Let’s break down 1 Corinthians 15:58 into bite-sized pieces and find out exactly what Paul meant when he wrote this Bible verse that says your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
My beloved brethren…
Like many of the promises within the Bible, this one is meant for us, the body of Christ, and not the whole world. God has so much that He wants to give us, but we must be a believer first in order to be partakers of His promises.
as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
2 Peter 1:3-4
Read: Victory in Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:57
Steadfast…
We are to be focused on Jesus and to continue focusing on Him even when life throws us a curveball. At times, it can seem to be a hard task, but if we remain steadfast we will see a real change happening. Instead of the daily chaos of life, that steadfast attitude will turn into a peace that stays with us.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
Immovable…
Many people have called me stubborn over the years and I’m sure they didn’t mean it as a compliment. 😉 While being stubborn about silly things that don’t matter is not the right way to be, stubbornness in Godly things is always good. The Apostle Paul is calling on us to not be wishy-washy, but instead to stand firm and keep the faith when it really does matter. We know that God does not change, His ways are always the same. Likewise, we are to be, stubborn, single-minded, and unmovable in the ways of Christ.
God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved.
Psalm 46:5
Read: Will You Stand Firn in the Faith? 1 Corinthians 16:13
Always abounding…
As I read this verse, the catchphrase, “under promise and over deliver comes to mind”. It’s about an abundance of love for our fellow man that flows out of us and covers them with the love of Christ. And it’s about going that extra mile even when we’re tired and exhausted because we want them to understand exactly who Jesus is and what He means in their life.
But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
Work of the Lord…
The work of the Lord is wide and varied. It can mean different things to each one of us. So the question becomes, what has God asked of you specifically? At home? At work? At church? And in any other area of your life? If you are unsure of God’s plan for you, simply ask Him. He will tell you. Then when you have the answer, you can put it into practice in a way that is pleasing to Him.
equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever, Amen.
Hebrews 13:21
Not in vain…
Did you know God will reward you for your good works? Whatever we do for the kingdom of God, our labor is not in vain. God has promised to reward us for our efforts. That reward may come in this life, and wouldn’t that be great? But if not in this life, our reward will definitely be waiting for us in the next.
And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.
When we labor for the Lord we lose nothing and gain everything. He has promised to equip us with what we need for the work He has given us. And He has promised to repay us a hundredfold for our sacrifice.
So, my dear friend and fellow laborer, my prayer for you today is that you will not lose heart when fatigue sets in and that God will energize you for the work ahead. May God bless you and give you rest! And may you see your efforts are not in vain in the Lord!
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Please remember me ,to stand firm in the lord.
Praying for you to stand firm today! God Bless!
Dear Connie…..thank you for your inspiring work!
I came across your page looking for ” your labor is not in vain” and you were first up on my Bing search.
I like what you wrote ..very true to form in godliness and love.
Just like many of us who serve in some capacity most of us don’t know who we touch at times and I’m sure you can relate.
Keep up your good work the world needs to find real answers for the constant stream of deception that flows down river daily and when someone is really looking the Holy Spirit will manuover them to one of your pages!
Thank you for your encouragement, Art! It’s true we don’t always know how the work we’re doing for God’s Kingdom will affect other lives. But we move forward in faith knowing God’s hand will guide the right people to the right places. Praying for you today!