"I thought I had toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength, Yet my reward is with the LORD, my recompense is with my God." Is 49:4
Often we wonder whether our faith life, and especially our works of justice, have any impact in our church or society. We gather with other people of faith, determine to do something together for the good of all, study the issue and situation that is agitating us, and act, but nothing changes. Community organizing and action is hard work, but does not always have the effect we intend. We fail as often as we succeed.
Like Isaiah we can become discouraged and wonder whether God hears our prayer and responds to our good intentions and actions. When our society and church resist our efforts to work together for a world in which everyone eats, has access to decent housing and education, we can lash out at those who oppose us or blame ourselves for not working hard enough, but neither response is true or complete.
Responding to the promptings of the Holy Spirit personally and communally is our only responsibility in faith. When we are willing to plant the Gospel of justice and let God do the work, we gain a new freedom. God will reward us, Isaiah insists, as long as we do not waver from the path of justice and righteousness.
Today, work for good and let go of the results.
What is your most difficult hurdle to overcome when working for justice?
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