ZECHARIAH 8:10

“‘“For before those days there was no wage for man nor any wage for animal; and for him who went out or came in there was no peace because of his enemies, and I sent all the people against one another.”’”

Last Fall I was in an East African country that was struggling economically. The unemployment rate was extremely high. People were suffering due to high food costs and the lack of fuel for vehicles and their homes. It was hard to hear the stories of families suffering and having to make difficult financial decisions. There was no work and no prospects for new jobs.

In today’s verse God is reminding the Israelites how bad it was before. Nobody was working. There wasn’t even any work for the animals due to poor crops and the damage of war. Sometimes, you just have to be reminded how bad it used to be so you can appreciate the present. Obviously, God felt the people needed that little reminder.

APPLICATION

Have you forgotten God’s blessings in the past? Better yet, have you forgotten how you were before Christ? Think back to that day. Before Christ came into my life, I was wandering aimlessly. I was pursuing all the wrong things. I was spiritually bankrupt. I need God to work on me, and He did. He gloriously saved me when I was sixteen. Now, that did not solve all my issues. I have still made mistakes since then. But it is so much better now.

I have never gone through a time for very long when I did not have a job. My dad taught me to never leave a job until you have another one lined up. I have pretty much always done that. So, it’s hard for me to relate personally to someone who has struggled for months or even years without a job. I have friends who have gone through that and have watched them struggle. I have prayed with them and even wept with them about this.

I want to remind you today of a passage in Colossians 3. Verses 23-24 tell us, “23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, 24 knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” You see, that is the key. Whatever we do!

Take a minute and list all the jobs you have ever had. Now, thank God for each one. Yes, each one. Every job you have ever had has been used by God to teach you and train you for the next one. I am not sure what job I will have in heaven. But whatever it is, it will be glorious to serve my Master. Don’t you agree?

Thank You, Father, for “employing” me in Your service. I want to always work to bring You glory.