Hebrews 6:10 “For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints.”

One of my greatest frustrations occurs when I have spent a lot of time working on something only to have my efforts thwarted in some way. Perhaps you can identify with my feelings. You labor over a school paper only to have the computer shut down so you lose the whole document. Or maybe when you’ve mopped the kitchen floor only to have someone track in grass and dirt. These kinds of frustrations happen regularly in life. They can even happen in our relationships. But when you spend time investing in a person even if they don’t seem to care, it is encouraging to know that God notices and doesn’t forget.

Recently, I felt second hand frustration for someone. It wasn’t a family member, a friend, or even a person. It was a little bird. Luke, who was working at our office last week, parked his car in our lot. During the few hours he did business, a tiny sparrow worked diligently building a nest. One by one she carried the twigs and grass to her new home on top of his car’s back tire. Imagine how she must have felt after all that effort when Luke left for the evening and had to discard all her work. My heart went out to this feathered mama.

There are many times when we continue to give of ourselves although it seems like our labor is in vain. A mom of young children wonders if her family recognizes her sacrifices. A schoolteacher faithfully teaches unruly middle school students without a word of thanks. And a pastor faithfully keeps preaching God’s word week after week without any noticeable fruit.

Yet diligence is a virtue in God’s eyes. Those who are truly His children continue to embrace love and kindness even when the efforts seem unproductive. The writer of Hebrews says that this diligence is the fruit of our salvation. And all these works and good deeds coming from unconditional love do not go unrewarded. Our heavenly Father does not forget this work and love you offer to Him by helping His children.

As I thought about the little bird I deeply felt her frustration. All of her hard work was for naught. But a warm sense of confidence also filled me as I realized that despite frustration God’s children don’t have to despair. Our heavenly Father notices and doesn’t forget any of our labors of love to those around us. In fact, this very diligence in difficult times proves that our love for Him is real.