March 20
The Fruit
of Hard Work
"What people say with their mouths can bring them all kinds of good things. But the work of their hands brings them rewards."
Proverbs 12:14 (NIrV)
Natalia sighed as she placed the last plate in the dishwasher. It had been another long day at the café where she worked double shifts to keep the family afloat. Her husband, Roger, was lounging on the couch, flipping through TV channels with little interest. The job search, which he claimed to be working on, was more talk than action, and Natalia was beginning to feel the strain.
“Roger,” Natalia said softly, sitting next to him. “Did you follow up on that interview from last week?”
Roger shrugged. “They’ll call if they’re interested.”
Natalia’s heart sank. She had heard similar excuses before. While she loved Roger dearly, his lack of urgency was wearing her down. She carried the weight of their finances, the household, and their young daughter’s needs. She prayed every night for patience and strength, but also for a change in Roger’s heart.
One evening, as Natalia was reading her Bible, Proverbs 12:14 stood out to her: “What people say with their mouths can bring them all kinds of good things. But the work of their hands brings them rewards.” She realized that words alone—Roger’s promises to try harder, her own pleas for change—weren’t enough. Action was necessary, but it had to be inspired by a heart touched by God.
That night, Natalia prayed fervently, not just for Roger to find a job, but for him to rediscover his purpose. “Lord,” she whispered, “give Roger the drive to use the gifts You’ve given him. Let him see the value in hard work and the rewards that come from it.”
A few days later, something changed. Roger came to Natalia with a flyer for a local job fair. “I think I should check this out,” he said, his tone more serious than usual. Surprised but hopeful, Natalia encouraged him.
At the job fair, Roger met a manager from a nearby warehouse looking for dependable workers. The role wasn’t glamorous, but it offered steady pay and the chance to advance. For the first time in months, Roger felt a spark of motivation. He applied on the spot and was offered a position within a week.
The first paycheck Roger brought home felt like a turning point for their family. Though it wasn’t an instant fix, Natalia saw the pride in his eyes and thanked God for answering her prayers. Roger’s attitude toward work and responsibility began to shift, and their home grew more harmonious.
Prayer:
Dear God, thank You for the wisdom in Your Word that reminds us of the value of hard work and perseverance.
Like Natalia, we sometimes face challenges that test our patience and strength.
Help us to trust in You and to believe in the potential for transformation in ourselves and others.
May we honor You with the work of our hands and seek the rewards that come from diligence and faithfulness.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
