Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Jeremiah 26:1–27:22 | 2 Thessalonians 3:1–18 | Psalm 85:1–13 | Proverbs 25:16

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The Reward of Faithfulness

Have you ever found yourself struggling to do what you know is right?  Maybe it’s having a difficult conversation, standing up for the truth, forgiving someone who hurt you, or obeying something God has asked you to do when you’d really rather not.

Sometimes doing the right thing is just plain hard! And if we’re being truthful, there are moments when we wonder whether it’s even worth the trouble.

But then I read about people like Jeremiah, Uriah, Paul and others, suddenly my struggles don’t seem quite so difficult. LOL!

In today’s Gem of Knowledge, the Holy Spirit reminded me:

“Sometimes it’s hard to do what is right. But it’s always worth it. Amen.”

Today’s reading in Jeremiah 26 gives us a powerful picture of what obedience can cost. God instructed Jeremiah to stand in the courtyard of the Temple and deliver a message calling the people to turn from their evil ways.Can you image?? 

It wasn’t a popular message, and Jeremiah knew it wouldn’t be well received. But he obeyed the Lord.

Sure enough, the priests, prophets, and people seized him and demanded his death!

Yet Jeremiah refused to back down. He stood before them and declared that the Lord had sent him to speak those words. He urged them to change their ways and warned them that killing him would bring innocent blood upon themselves.

Thankfully, Jeremiah’s life was spared. But in the same chapter, we read about another prophet named Uriah, who delivered a similar warning from the Lord. When King Jehoiakim sought to kill him, Uriah fled to Egypt. The king had him brought back, executed him, and dishonorably disposed of his body.

Two men. Both speaking God’s truth. Both doing what was right. Yet their earthly outcomes were very different.

And that brings us to something important: Doing what is right doesn’t guarantee that everything will turn out the way we want it to.

Sometimes obedience brings blessings we can immediately recognize. Other times it brings rejection, hardship, persecution, or even suffering. But the value of obedience isn’t determined by how comfortable it makes our lives.

It’s determined by the One we’re obeying.

Think about the apostles. They were beaten, imprisoned, threatened, and persecuted for preaching the Gospel. Yet they continued because they knew Jesus was worth whatever it cost them.

In today’s reading from 2 Thessalonians 3, Paul asks the believers to pray that the Lord’s message would spread rapidly and be honored, and that he and his companions would be rescued from wicked and evil people. Even Paul, who had witnessed God’s miraculous power, understood the difficulties that came with faithfully serving God.

But notice what he says next:

“But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” —2 Thessalonians 3:3 NLT

Paul didn’t promise that believers would never experience hardship. He reminded them that God would remain faithful through it.

Psalm 85:10 paints another beautiful picture of God’s character:

“Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed!” —Psalm 85:10 NLT

God’s ways are rooted in truth, righteousness, love, and peace. When we choose to do what is right, even when it’s difficult, we’re choosing to align ourselves with His character and His purposes.

And sometimes that choice requires tremendous courage.

Yes, it may be hard. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t worth it.

Because ultimately, the greatest reward of obedience isn’t an easier life here on earth. It’s knowing that we’ve been faithful to the One who gave His life for us. And we have the beautiful assurance that our faithfulness will not go unrewarded in eternity. Jesus promises that those who remain faithful through persecution have a great reward awaiting them in heaven (Matthew 5:11–12).

We may not always see the rewards of our obedience in this lifetime, but one day, when we stand before Jesus, we will understand that every sacrifice, every hardship, and every act of faithfulness was worth it.

Sometimes doing what’s right will cost us something here on earth. But whatever it costs, our eternal reward will be worth far more! 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Take 5 minutes to be with the Lord today. Ask Him:

• “Lord, what do You want me to know about this personally?”
  • Journal what He gives you through His Holy Spirit.
• Then ask, “What do You want me to do?”
  • Journal what He reveals – then do it!

Is there something God has been asking you to do that you’ve been avoiding because it feels difficult, uncomfortable, or costly? Take some time to talk with Him about it today. Ask for the courage to obey, the wisdom to act in love and truth, and the faith to trust Him with the outcome. Remember, your responsibility is obedience. The results belong to Him.

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Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for the examples of faithful men and women who chose to obey You even when it cost them dearly. Forgive me for the times I’ve allowed fear, discomfort, or the opinions of others to keep me from doing what I know is right. Give me the courage to stand firm in Your truth, the humility to follow Your instructions, and the faith to trust You with every outcome. Help me remember that my greatest reward is knowing You and walking faithfully with You. No matter what obedience requires of me, may I always consider You worth it. In Jesus’ precious name I pray, amen.

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