https://www.odbm.org/en-GB/devotional/devotional-category/the-unnamed-women?ts=1772582400000
The parable of the sower
Luke 8:1-3 NIV – After this, Jesus travelled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.
After wiping down tables with disinfectant, Shelia stooped to tie a rubbish bag filled with used cups and plates. She heaved the bag over her shoulder and turned to survey the church’s social area. She’d volunteered to clean it for the next gathering and wanted to make sure it was ready. A thought fluttered through her mind: Would anyone notice? It’s easy to wonder if our everyday contributions to the kingdom are valued. Whether we clean, balance spreadsheets, lead a Bible study or give money, so many of us remain unseen in our places of service and unnamed in public commendations. (Elisa Morgan, Our Daily Bread 4th March 2026)
I think most of us have at some point in our lives thought about whether anyone notices our service in ministry? Our pastors and leaders surely know exactly what we’re doing in church but no one in church may know if serve elsewhere in our personal capacity whether for voluntary organisations or other Christian ministries. Except if we publicise the same via social media or some other means.
However, I believe most of us don’t and won’t mind if no one notices because we know in our hearts that we’re serving God and we know God knows. It’s a personal conviction to serve the Lord and the motivation is always Him and Him alone. We serve Him because we love Him. It is our simple way to repay Him for all He has done and is doing in our midst. For His goodness and grace upon our lives and our family.
Of course, over a long period of time, sometimes our service ends up being a responsibility and an obligation and may eventually become a burden. Instead of joy, we struggle and end up serving grudgingly. That’s a tragedy but if we are in this predicament, we should, in my view, re-examine our calling and see whether the Lord has a different calling for us for this present season of our lives? We should always experience joy and gladness in serving God and not dread or misery. Or only a sense of responsibility or obligation.
What’s our calling for this season of our lives? He is forever in our lives and He is with us and sees us through the seasons. Yet His calling may evolve over time as we grow older and mature in our faith. The work the Holy Spirit is doing in our midst may be changing. Spend some time to seek out His plan and purpose for us at this period of time. Serving Him must be the happiest thing we could do in our life. Something is terribly wrong if we are grieved when serving Him. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us and guide us so we may find peace, joy and love in again in serving Him!
Ronnie's Thoughts 