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Imagine a car running out of fuel as it goes up a large hill. The driver sits inside, banging the steering wheel, yelling at the car to keep going: “Don’t give up! Just try harder! You can make it up this hill!”

We all know that would NOT work! The car needs fuel.

In the same way, we cannot serve God faithfully by effort alone. We need the right fuel.

Like the car, we will face obstacles in our lives. Many who loved and followed God endured mocking, beatings, imprisonment, and even death (Hebrews 11:32-38). Our strength and determination are not enough for these types of challenges.

Rejoicing in God becomes a fuel in both good times and bad. As we remember who God is and what He’s done, hard work flows from us joyfully.

If someone gifted you a beautiful, new house for your family to live in, you probably wouldn’t complain if they asked you to take out the trash once. Similarly, when we turn our focus to all the amazing things God has done for us and in the world, work becomes a joy-filled response.

Nehemiah’s Strength to Build

Nehemiah demonstrated this reality. When he heard that the wall of Jerusalem was broken, he was moved to rebuild it. Not an easy task! He and the workers were mocked, insulted and threatened with harm. Naturally, they became discouraged. Nehemiah told the people, “Do not be afraid…Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight” (Nehemiah 4:14). In remembering God, they had courage to continue.

Paul’s Tireless Efforts and Endurance

Paul also shows us how rejoicing fuels hard work. He suffered more than most (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). Yet over and over, he writes of his great joy. From prison he writes, “Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice” (Philippians 1:18). Another time, “I am overflowing with joy” (2 Corinthians 7:4). From this place of joy, he worked tirelessly, day and night to spread the Gospel message (1 Corinthians 15:10, Colossians 1:28-29, 1 Thessalonians 2:9)

Our Fuel for the Work Ahead

Rejoicing in God allows us to tap into something beyond ourselves. It gives meaning to the pain and disappointments we face in this world. Remembering the things God has done and praising Him for it, reminds our souls that God is good and He can do it again.

Let’s let rejoicing be our fuel that leads us forward as we continue to serve God and His people.

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