The Upper Room Devotional for 28th April 2023: In the Background

TODAY’S TOPIC: IN THE BACKGROUND

Mary Hunt Webb (New Mexico, USA)

TODAY’S READING
Romans 16:21-23, 25-27

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Regardless of my task, God knows the work I do.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord. – Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

Through several generations, various members of my family have been involved in ministry. One was a pastor, another was a missionary, two others were on the staff of different ministries, and several have served as volunteers. Although I have volunteered through the years, my main ministry now is as a Christian writer. I spend long hours researching, reading, and writing. Since my work takes place where others can’t see it happening, some people assume that I am not heavily involved in church work.

In his letters, the apostle Paul mentioned various people who had done good work where others could not see it. In today’s reading, Paul lists the names of several of them. While Phoebe tops that list in Romans 16:1, I am partial to the one who identified himself in Romans 16:22: “I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.” Like me, Tertius was performing his ministry in the background.

While we may take for granted the work of those like Tertius, it’s important to remember that not all work in ministry is visible to us. Nevertheless, that work is vital to the spreading of the gospel.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Gracious Lord, thank you for those who spread the gospel in ways that are not always visible. Give them the assurance that their work is important and needed. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

PRAYER FOCUS
Those who work behind the scenes

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