A Job Worth Its While

I recently inherited an old sewing machine from an aunt on my mother’s side of the family. Looking at it, it was obvious it hadn’t been used in years and was kept stored away, in need of some cleaning up. So I cleaned it up the best I could and plugged it in to see if it would run. To my surprise it worked! But after running it for a minute or so I began to smell something as if it was burning. I then figured it was in need of some kind of service or repair.

I found a highly recommended small business that does sewing machine service and repairs and took it in to see what it may need. Upon arrival, the owners were so kind in greeting me and began to take a look. The woman brought her husband out to find out the overall work that needed to be done.. and while he was looking at it, his expression was a pondering look while nodding his head. She giggled and said “he’s doing that because it’s a big job.”

After explaining the parts that were needed plus labor along with a price estimate, we came to an agreement. And then the woman made a comment that the Holy Spirit highlighted. She said “it’s a big job but it’s worth it.” I dwelled on that.

There’s a recent assignment that the Lord gave me that indeed is a big job, and for some time in all honesty I was reluctant to step into it because of how big of a job it is. But when she made that comment I felt lighthearted at “but it’s worth it.”

The Holy Spirit also began to illuminate to me the work of the cross that Jesus was given and took upon Himself. I can only assume and imagine that Jesus was well aware of how big that job was, but only saw it as a job worth its while. The work of the cross wasn’t easy, nor was it light; but it was a work that changed everything.

Moving forward, I’d like to keep in mind and remember—whenever the Lord assigns me to do something impactful—Jesus who though He was well aware of how big the job He was given was, only looked to the joy set before Him. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Reflection:

Is there anything the Lord has assigned you to or has told you to do that you find extremely challenging to step into? Maybe you’ve even been wrestling with it.

How does looking at Jesus change that?