Do you know that all you do or sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel isn’t only recorded (Malachi 3:16), but rewarded by the Lord? This brings to mind Peter’s encounter with the Lord at the lake of Gennesaret: “Once when he was standing on the shore of Lake Gennesaret, the crowd was pushing in on him to better hear the Word of God. He noticed two boats tied up. The fishermen had just left them and were out scrubbing their nets. He climbed into the boat that was Simon’s and asked him to put out a little from the shore. Sitting there, using the boat for a pulpit, he taught the crowd” (Luke 5:1-3 MSG). Peter and his company had just returned from a fruitless allnight fishing expedition. So, his decision to oblige the Master the use of his boat wasn’t an easy one; he had to jettison his disappointment and exhaustion. Thank God he did!
The Bible says after Jesus preached to the crowd from Peter’s boat, He asked Peter to launch out into the deep for a great catch. Peter obeyed and caught a great multitude of fishes such that he had to call out to his partners to help him haul in the great catch (Luke 5:6-7). Remember, he had worked all night and caught nothing. But suddenly, he had so much, just because of what He did for the Master.
What sacrifices have you made for the sake of the Gospel? It could be your time, money, friends and relationships you gave up, whatever it is, God hasn’t forgotten. Your blessing isn’t delayed until you get to heaven. It begins here on earth. Peter didn’t receive his harvest of fishes in heaven; he got it on earth. Therefore, your reward isn’t far ahead; it’s closer than you think. Be assured that He’ll reward you in due time, for He doesn’t forget your labour of love!
Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, with renewed vigour, I yield myself to your Spirit for greater service, passionately seeking the expansion of your Kingdom, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
