Fruits of Labor

Bible Reading: Matthew 25:14-29

"Yum, your mangoes are the best, Nenek!" Eyes sparkling, Kira chewed the scrumptious mangoes her Indonesian grandmother had just peeled for her.

"You mean Kakek's mangoes," Nenek said, chuckling. "Your grandfather was the one who bought and planted the seeds in our backyard. The tree grew and grew, but no mangoes. Kakek persisted and kept fertilizing it though. It was only after his death that fruit buds bloomed. Too bad he never saw the fruits of his labor."

Kira's eyes dimmed as she thought of her grandfather, who died two years ago. "I miss Kakek."

"Do you remember how he often took you to church?" said Nenek. "Even when his health started failing, he loved to take you and talk about what you learned afterward."

Kira nodded. "I remember he took me to church two weeks before he was hospitalized. I didn't want to go then--I was tired from a basketball tournament on Saturday night, which we lost. But on Sunday morning, Kakek showed up with a huge smile and convinced me to go."

"I remember you were really down that night," Nenek said. "You and your team worked so hard for that tournament."

"Yeah--I thought of quitting basketball then. But then Kakek took me to church, and the sermon was on the parable of the bags of gold. Two of the servants were faithful with what God gave them and were able to make it grow. After church, Kakek said the parable was about using whatever God has given us--including our talents--to help more people know about Jesus. He told me about the time he lost a tennis match but kept on practicing and eventually won a game. He said his faith in Jesus kept him going and that he was trusting God to help him use his gifts however He wanted him to. It made me realize how much I needed Jesus. I asked Kakek to pray with me, and I became a Christian that day." Kira's face brightened. "I'm so glad I had him in my life, Nenek." She wrapped her arms around her grandmother.

Nenek planted a kiss on Kira's forehead. "So in the end, Kakek did see the fruits of his labor--not the mangoes, but you putting your faith in Jesus."

–Ruth Setyadi

How About You?
Have you ever worked at something but failed to see results? Perhaps it was a hard subject at school or a sport. Maybe you prayed for a family member or friend to trust in Jesus, but they continue to reject Him. Don't give up. Be faithful and persistent in the things God has put on your heart to do, and trust Him with the fruits of your labor--whether you see them or not.

Today's Key Verse:
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (NIV) (Galatians 6:9)

Today's Key Thought:
Be faithful and persistent