God Sees Our Labor

Working Heartily for the Lord

This devotion is inspired by Genesis 31:1-55.

The main focus is on verses 31:40-42.

Take a moment, grab your Bible, and read the story of Jacob and Laban.

Genesis 31:42 ESV, “God saw my affliction and the labor of my hands…”

Jacob’s life reminds us to work with sincerity and integrity.

I recently watched a movie that moved me to tears. Oddly enough, the plot revolved around a man who cleaned public toilets for a living. Being a foreign film, it required me to follow along by reading the subtitles, although the man didn’t speak much. Quietly he moved throughout the day, from dawn to dusk, taking pride and pleasure in his work. He diligently tended to the tiniest of details. He was kind and gracious even when interrupted. Joy filled his heart, and peace washed over his countenance. As I watched this movie, I was reminded that we must work with sincerity of heart, as if everything we do is a service to the Lord (Colossians 3:22-24).

Reading the story of Jacob and Laban in Genesis 31, we see a man who put this teaching into practice. Jacob was formerly a deceitful man (see Genesis 27), but after his personal encounter with the Lord, he became a man of integrity and faithfulness. He conscientiously approached every task that was put before him, even though his working conditions were less than desirable—he was repeatedly cheated and deceived. His father-in-law, Laban, whom he worked for was unfair, unscrupulous, and unworthy of Jacob’s loyalty. In total, Jacob patiently labored for twenty long years, never receiving his wages. Jacob describes himself as “working with all his strength,” and being “consumed by the heat of the day” and the bitter “cold of the night.” He mentioned that sleep was elusive. Rather than grumble, complain, or get lazy in his efforts, Jacob took pride in fulfilling his responsibilities. Even when no one else was watching, he knew that God had seen the toil of his hands, and that was what mattered.

The phrase “for an audience of One” means that Jesus is the One we hope to please. Just as Jacob was a steward of Laban’s daughters and flocks, we are God-appointed stewards of our families, our marriages, our children, our jobs, our ministries, our spiritual gifts, talents, and treasures. We are stewards of God’s Kingdom, as we represent Him here on earth. God has given us our sphere of influence and assigned a calling on our lives (Esther 4:14). Jesus came to love and serve, and we have the privilege of following His example (John 13). Whether we are CEO of a giant corporation, a barista pouring coffee, or a mother wiping little noses, we too can work heartily and joyfully as for the Lord. The Lord sees the late nights of prepping and planning and the wee early mornings we’re rocking our newborns back to sleep. We can find satisfaction and joy in whatever our endeavors may be. Our greatest hope is to reflect Jesus in all that we do, to bless others in the process, and to hear the Lord say, “well done, my good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)

Even a cup of water given in Jesus’ name is a faithful act of service (Matthew 10:42).

God sees the labor of our hands—this perspective changes our hearts and attitudes.

• Is there an area of your “work” that seems to go unappreciated or unnoticed? How can viewing it as service to the Lord encourage your heart and transform your attitude?

I admit that occasionally my joy and excitement get deflated when my efforts or work aren’t validated by someone else. It might be human nature to get caught up in the people-pleasing cycle, but I’d like to stop it. It’s ridiculous and exhausting to have my value and worth dependent on the approval of other people. Keeping in mind that the Lord sees and cares, encourages me to do my best regardless. It helps me maintain my joy whether I’m acknowledged or overlooked.

Genesis 31 not only teaches us to work heartily for the Lord, but also reveals that God is a rewarder. The odds were stacked against Jacob, but God stepped in and recompensed his faithfulness. Laban withheld Jacob’s deserved wages, and he was never going to give his daughters, Rachel and Leah, their inheritance. God’s favor was on them: He caused Jacob to prosper, protected him from harm, and stood as a witness over his life. Jacob arrived at Paddan-Aram empty handed, yet despite obstacles, God brought him out with abundance. After serving his uncle for twenty long years, Jacob gathered his wives and children, along with the livestock and goods he had accumulated, and went home to his father’s household. The LORD fulfilled His covenant with Jacob—the covenant He had previously made with his grandfather Abraham and his father Isaac—to bless him and make him a nation (Genesis 28:13-15). From Jacob and his twelve sons came the great nation of Israel—and Jesus our blessed Messiah. Talk about an inheritance! God is faithful to His children, and He rewards the faithful!

Colossians 3:24, “from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

Dear Lord, help me to serve You well. May I be your hands and feet, your words and smile to everyone who crosses my path. Help me to approach the work You have prepared for me to do both joyfully and diligently. I truly long to please You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

This photo is from my trip to Jordan. We stayed in the desert of Wadi Rum, a dry and desolate place, looking much like we imagine the surface of the moon. While riding in the back of a small truck, we came upon a group of Bedouin shepherds caring for their camels. Far from civilization these men took excellent care of their animals, providing them rest and kindness. We had the privilege of riding these beasts through the desert with one of the men as our guide. His job was not glamorous, his position was not of power or authority, yet he took great pride in it. Much like Jacob did.

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