He Has Done All

January 4

We desire recognition for our labor—for the work that we do to sustain our families—and we expect to see our career goals advanced as we invest ourselves toward the professional and financial goals we have set for ourselves. We desire to be effective for the Kingdom of Christ and His purposes as we serve to reach men with His truth.

Yet we know that in an ultimate sense, we can do nothing and be nothing apart from His hand of blessing upon our endeavors. We understand that it is His good pleasure to allow us to attain recognition for our labors, both in the natural and in the spiritual realms, but we also know that He wants us to understand that He is the ultimate Source of all we accomplish.

The prophet in Isaiah 26:12 says, “Lord, You establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished, You have done for us.” The veracity of this assertion is absolute and its import is weighty. Isaiah addresses the matter of the environment in which we carry out our endeavors—it must be one of peace if we are to ultimately succeed.

We will be able to accomplish little in an atmosphere of contention and strife. War-torn areas are not noted as springs of great invention or endeavor. Peace produces great gain. Yet beyond an environment in which our labor may thrive is the reality that it is the Lord who gives the increase. He who will not share His glory with another affirms that it is indeed HE who has done all for us!