Discouraged Witness

Isaiah 55:11 – So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. (NKJV)

For about two years now I have been participating in my church's outreach and visitation programme. Our church uses a new programme called "FAITH", which is a unique way of sharing the gospel while emphasizing the importance of Sunday School and Christian fellowship at the same time.

While the programme as a whole has been abundantly successful, I myself have felt quite unsuccessful in my efforts. For the entire time I have been participating, I have not yet been a member on a team that has seen someone won to Christ during our visitation. Because of this, I had at one time grown quite discouraged and was ready to quit the programme.

But then I realized the exact thing that today's verse in Isaiah speaks to us about. Just because we are not personally witnesses to the results of God's word being shared does not mean that God's will is not accomplished. God tells us in Isaiah that His word will always accomplish His purpose and that it will prosper in the thing for which He sent it. We do not always know, nor can we always discern, what God's purpose may be for His words when spoken through us. That is when we have to put our faith and trust in God to know that He will always accomplish His will, and that our responsibility is simply to be faithful in sharing His gospel with others.

I am sure that there are many others like me who have at times grown discouraged in their Christian walk, feeling perhaps that their life and witness is not producing the fruits that they feel it should. That is when we have to remember that discouragement never comes from God, but is the work of Satan. If Satan can get us discouraged to the point that we cease to share the good news, then he has won a great battle against us.

We need not ever be ashamed or disappointed in our efforts for God — as long as we are putting forth the effort, and doing it for the right reasons. God will always accomplish His perfect will, in His perfect timing.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, we ask that you help us to not grow discouraged in our service for You. Continue to give us the faith and strength we need to do your will, knowing that your will shall be accomplished in your timing. Amen.

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