The Joy in Serving the Lord

Serving the Lord with all our hearts brings great joy.

God Himself gives us joy as a token of His approval of what we are allowing Him to do in us. Understanding how privileged we are to serve the God of heaven, the Commander of angelic hosts enables us to humbly serve Him, whatever the cost.

I especially love to see young people serving the Lord whenever they have an opportunity. I often pray for and encourage young people to give their time, energy, and talents to God’s service. Of course, I have always longed to see this choice exemplified in the lives of my own young-adult children. My son, fresh out of medical school, returned home to rest and make plans for the next stages of his life’s work. I proposed that he consider accepting the call to serve at a little hospital in a neighboring country. This distant hospital was experiencing a serious need for another physician to join and relieve their severely overtaxed medical staff.

“I am willing to go, Mother,” he responded. “However, there is a problem.” Indeed, his service at that medical facility would be on a volunteer basis: no salary, no stipend, and only the provision for daily meals. My son wanted to serve God in a position that came with a salary. After all, he was just beginning his life’s work. His concern was understandable. “I understand your thinking,” I assured him. “It is good to have at least a little salary to live on. On the other hand, remember that God promises to provide for our needs and is a rewarder of those who diligently seek and serve Him.” On faith, my son decided to serve that little hospital. Though adapting to a new environment and work schedule was challenging for our son, we continued to pray for and encourage him. How grateful to God I am every time I hear my son enthusiastically share yet another positive story about his job at this hospital! Though he still receives no regular salary for his efforts, he experiences a holy joy that God gives him for his willingness to serve with all his heart. Let us encourage our young people to give their best to the Lord, serving as missionaries wherever the need arises, even to the point of sacrifice.

God will surely bless them with joy.

Omobonike Adeola Sessou