Not in Vain

(1 Thessalonians 2:1 KJV)  For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:

Is it possible for the work of a faithful believer to be in "vain" (2756)?  I know that there are times when I feel this way.  I live with it almost every day.  I served as a pastor for 10 years, full time, and seven years, part time.  That is where I felt called and where I felt my gifts were.  But for reasons that I feel are beyond my control, I am not doing that now.  It is not because of disobedience or open rebellion, it just is.  I am teaching instead.  Teaching is a worthy profession, and I do a decent job.  But I know teachers for whom it is a passion.  For me it is a rewarding job but not a passion.

Is my time spent in vain?  Do you at times feel the same frustration?  The Lord keeps telling me to trust Him.  I must accept the fact that walking by faith does not always mean wondering where the next meal will come from but also trusting God for the meaning and direction of my life.  If I have been redeemed and walk in obedience, it is impossible for my life to be in vain.  It doesn’t matter what I see.  Think of Steven as he was being stoned.  There must have been a glimmer in his mind about all the witnessing he would not be able to do it he died.  God, in ways he could not imagine, preserved his witness for eternity.

So, be faithful and walk in faith.  There are currents we cannot know.  Trust is more than eternal.  It is daily.  It is based on not seeing the next step but knowing the route.