Stand Firm

 Scripture
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Observation
Standing firm - means being planted, established, and immovable.  Nothing can move you.  Always - all ways, every day, give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord.  100% of me is to be given - hold nothing back . . . because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.  Everything we do for the work of the Lord and furtherance of His gospel and kingdom, is worthy!  The blood, sweat, and tears of your labors of love, counts for something; though we might not know it or see the results, it's not done in vain.

Application
We had a tree in our front yard many years ago that we decided to remove and plant our 'live' Christmas tree in it's place.  It was early Spring and time to do the removing and the planting.  We dug, we pulled, we chopped, and tried and tried to get that old tree to budge.  It was so firmly rooted and planted that we finally got some ropes and chains and tied them around it, hooked it to the truck, and yanked that baby out.  Finally, we got it to move!  I want my faith and walk with the Lord, to be like that tree in terms of standing firm and not budging no matter what may try to move me.   Any of us can get discouraged from pouring ourselves into the lives of people and not seeing results . . . or it may seem that we are doing what we do for the Lord, and we can't see changes or fruitfulness.  But God, says nothing we do in our labor for the Lord's work is in vain.  He will take care of what needs to happen in His time and for His glory.  So, I choose to stand firm and trust God for the rest.

Prayer
Father, thank You for Your word.  You always encourage and so gently correct me.  The only way I can really 'stand firm' is to focus my eyes heavenward to You, and know that it is all about You - not me. Cause my faith roots to grow deeper and deeper in You O Lord Jesus.  Stretch me in the things You have called me to do, and may I never lose the joy You have given me in serving and loving people. In Jesus Name, A-men.