by Victoria Heinecke

The power of persistence.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

But I said, “I have labored in vain;
    I have spent my strength for nothing at all.”
Isaiah 49:4a New International Version (NIV)

There is no statue on the pedestal. Every morning, a man would arrive with his bicycle, apply makeup to match the false patina on his suit and bike, and assume various poses for 10-12 hours every day, with the hope of earning a sufficient wage.

Over the course of a week, I’d watch him from our balcony. Sometimes he’d tip his hat or wave. Many people looked straight ahead as they walked, as if he wasn’t there. Once in a while, someone would put money in the jar on the pedestal, and occasionally someone would pose with him for a few pesos.

Occasionally, he’d take a break from his efforts to rest or eat. For the majority of his time he stood atop his bike. He was persistent, returning to the pedestal every day.

When you’re talking about your relationship with Jesus, does it feel as if no one is listening?

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, 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.“
1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV

We don’t share our testimonies with others for an earthly reward. For the most part, it may seem that whatever we say doesn’t matter to those with whom we’re sharing. Sometimes it’s even thrown back at us, and we’re told we’re fools for believing that God’s Word is living, breathing, and real.

Take heart! Even when our words seem to deflect into nothingness, God assures us that every seed we plant on good soil will take root. The Holy Spirit will nurture that seed and grow it at the perfect time. We may never see the fruits of our labor, but God encourages us to continue sharing.

“Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.”
Philippians 2:15b-16 NIV

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado