The Night Love Went to Work

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1 Corinthians 15:58 — So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 

There is something special about a fall festival.

The air turns crisp. Friends catch up over steaming cups of apple cider. Somewhere nearby, kettle corn is popping, and funnel cakes are making it very difficult to remember that you already ate dinner.

I take it all in and look around.

Kids are trying things they’ve never tried before. Parents are laughing and talking while their children run around. Candy bags are getting heavier by the minute.

And I love it.

But the longer I watch, the more I realize what I’m really witnessing.

I’m watching a community love its people.

A volunteer kneels down beside a child who isn’t quite sure she wants to try the game.

Someone else is laughing with a group of kids.

Parents relax because they know somebody is looking out for their children.

There’s no spotlight on any of it.

It’s just people showing up and trying to show others the love of Jesus.

And it reminds me how easy it is to overlook the ordinary ways God uses us.

Sometimes we imagine ministry has to be a microphone, a Bible study, or some grand opportunity to make a difference.

But what if ministry can also be a folding chair?

A game booth?

A smile?

A conversation with a child?

A simple act of kindness that nobody else notices?

Paul told the church in Corinth to remain strong and steadfast and to give themselves fully to the Lord’s work, because their labor for the Lord is never wasted.

And I think that’s exactly what I’m seeing here:

Labor that won’t go to waste.

These people are doing little things that may matter far more than they will ever know.

Maybe that child who was nervous will remember the volunteer who knelt down beside her.

Maybe a parent will remember how welcomed their family felt.

Maybe a simple conversation will stay with someone long after the festival is over.

We may never see the full fruit of those moments.

But God does.

So keep showing up.

Keep serving.

Keep loving the person right in front of you.

Because in the hands of God, ordinary acts of faithfulness—really and truly—are never wasted.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • What is one ordinary thing you do that you sometimes wonder whether it really matters? Could God be using it in ways you cannot see?
  • Have you ever had someone’s small act of kindness make a bigger impact on you than they probably realized?
  • Where is God giving you an opportunity to serve right now—even if it doesn’t feel significant or impressive?
  • Are you more likely to serve when people notice, or can you find joy in serving when only God sees?
  • Who is the person right in front of you today who might need a little encouragement, kindness, or your willingness to simply show up?

QUESTION TO CARRY WITH YOU TODAY

What if the ordinary thing God has put in front of me today is more important than I realize?

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