I served the Lord with great humility and with tears and in the midst of severe testing by the plots of my Jewish opponents. (Acts 20:19)
Operation Desert Shield came into effect during the last five months of my navy enlistment. I was stationed in Spain and worked as a counselor. With the threat of war looming, all nonessential personnel were reassigned to enhance base security. I found myself working as a shipyard security guard, checking identification of everyone seeking entry. This was not how I had envisioned my final months in the navy, and I was angry.
One evening I allowed an individual wearing civilian clothing to enter. I nonchalantly waved him through, and he yelled, “Do you even know who I am?” Had I actually looked at his ID, I would have known that not only was he an officer deserving of a salute but he was also the commanding officer of the shipyard. I allowed my dissatisfaction with my current circumstances to affect my attitude and performance.
When we are in the midst of trials and suffering, it can be tempting to lower the bar in our performance, our attitude, and our relationships. You may feel sick, tired, angry, unappreciated or any host of negative feelings; however, God calls us to a higher standard. Whatever you are doing, you are to do it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord, and not other human beings. We are to do the best that we can and give glory to God.
Always do your best, even during difficult times.
Angela Golden Bryan is a graduate of Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University. Her top spiritual gifts are encouragement, service, and compassion. She and her husband live in South Florida and enjoy visits from their two adult children.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
