Hey there, and welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread.

Our reading titled A Labor of Love was written by Kimia Loader.

Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first African-American woman to earn a medical degree. Yet during her lifetime, she

recalls being ignored, slighted, and rendered insignificant. However, she remained devoted to

healing and fulfilling her purpose. Crumpler affirmed that although some people might choose to

judge her based on her race and gender, she'd always have a renewed

and courageous readiness to go whenever and wherever duty calls. And that, she did. She believed

that treating women and children and providing medical attention for freed slaves was a way to

serve God. Sadly, she didn't receive formal recognition for her accomplishments

until nearly a century later. There are times when we'll be overlooked, devalued, or

unappreciated by those around us. Biblical wisdom reminds us, however, that when God has called us

to a task, we shouldn't focus on gaining worldly

approval and recognition, but should instead, as Colossians chapter 3 verse 23 encourages,

work at it with all our heart as working for the Lord.

When we focus on serving God, we're able to accomplish even the most difficult tasks with fervor and gladness

in his power and leading. We can then become less concerned with receiving earthly recognition

and become more eager to receive the reward only he can provide.

Our scripture reading today is from Colossians chapter 3 verses 23 through 24.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Let's pray.

Heavenly Father, thank you for calling us to do good things for you.

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