By Ava Pennington—

For twenty years, I pursued an executive career in the corporate world. I worked for companies in New York City’s financial district and enjoyed perks such as international travel.

But fifteen years ago, I left the corporate scene to follow God’s call to write and teach.

In the process, I’ve discovered that writing can sometimes be discouraging work. Actually, it’s not just writing.

Can you relate? Have you ever poured yourself into your calling and no one seems to notice? Or maybe you’ve worked and worked . . . and someone else gets the break you’ve been waiting for.

As Christians, we serve wherever God has called us to glorify Him. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16 NIV). The goal of our work is praise for the Father, not for ourselves.

Still, it’s natural to want someone to notice and acknowledge our efforts. As a writer, I especially hope the someone is an agent or acquisitions editor.

But the Lord knows our hearts. He knows our motivations. I’ve found God will frequently allow periods of anonymity or discouragement in my life to reveal my motives. If I’m ready to give up because of a lack of recognition or appreciation, I know my motives have been all wrong.

It’s no accident that among the hundreds of named women in Scripture, there are also more than one hundred references to unnamed individual women or groups of women. Immortalized in Scripture for all time, yet virtually unknown apart from being identified by their circumstances. It doesn’t seem quite fair.

Yet nothing escapes God’s notice. He knows who they are—each and every one of them. And he knows who we are, what we are doing, and why we do it. Jesus reminded his followers that “even the very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Matthew 10:30 NIV). In Genesis 16:13, Hagar was amazed that God knew all about her, and she called Him El Roi, the God Who Sees.

So the next time you’re discouraged because of a lack of recognition, there’s only one thing to do. Run straight into the arms of El Roi. Take comfort in knowing the Lord sees all you do and will reward you in His perfect timing.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 NIV). Let’s be faithful in doing our part and leave the results to God. Just as He did with the five loaves and two fish, He will multiply our meager efforts for His glory!

“Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” (John 6:9 NIV).

 

 

 

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© 2010 Martin Alan Grivjack PhotographyMartin Alan Grivjack PhotographyAva Pennington is thoroughly enjoying her second career as an author, teacher, and speaker. Originally from New York City, she relocated after a 20-year corporate career as a Human Resources executive. But don’t call her retired. In addition to writing and speaking, she teaches a Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class of 150+ women from September through May each year.

Her newest book, Daily Reflections on the Names of God: A Devotional, is published by Revell and endorsed by Kay Arthur, founder of Precepts Ministries International. Ava has also written articles for magazines such as Power for LivingCalled, and Christianity Today’s Today’s Christian Woman. She has been published in 25 anthologies, including 18 Chicken Soup for the Soul books.

Ava is grateful for her husband, Russ, their marriage of 35+ years, and their home in south Florida. She is a passionate speaker and teacher, and delights in challenging audiences with relevant, enjoyable presentations. For more information, visit www.AvaWrites.com or contact her at Ava@AvaWrites.com.

6 Comments

  1. 10-17-2014

    Amen, sister. I was on a similar path years ago, but my pursuit was academics and public education. Then God called me away from it all. What a journey it has been…including a LOT of humility and learning the beauty of being “anonymous” in so many ways.

  2. 10-17-2014

    Ava,
    I’ve struggled with this for a few years. It’s been hard watching younger women walk into their calling while I still plug along. It’s not as if I’m getting any younger. It does come down to who am I doing this for? Needed this today Ava.

  3. 10-17-2014

    Thank you for expressing so nicely what I feel from time to time. I imagine everyone does because there will always be someone a little more successful if we are looking for the world’s approbation.

  4. 10-17-2014

    Thank you, Penny. Karen, and Dorothy.
    I have to confess, I share Karen’s feelings sometimes. As I get older, it IS difficult to watch younger succeed seemingly effortlessly while I watch the calendar pages turn. But as each of you have shared, it’s not about the plans God has for others, it’s about being faithful for the plan God has for me…and you. And His plans are ALWAYS best!

  5. 10-17-2014

    Ouch! You hit it dead on my sister. I could relate way too much to your words. But it’s a good reminder to be very aware of our motives and realign ourselves with God’s purpose and plans–not our own. I shall remember “If I’m ready to give up because of a lack of recognition or appreciation, I know my motives have been all wrong.” Thank you for your honesty. God bless, Mona

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