Sometimes our labor is preventing things from becoming far worse than they otherwise would be. At other times, the fruit of our work may not become visible until years later, perhaps even in the next generation.

Sometimes, as pastors—or as parents—we wonder whether what we are doing is making any difference at all. Is this simply a treadmill? The work is often exhausting, and there are seasons when it feels as though we are making little or no progress. Is anyone listening? Is anything changing? Thankfully, God is often pleased to encourage His servants by allowing us to see glimpses of what He is doing. At times, He grants immediate and dramatic evidence of His grace, and those moments strengthen our hands for the work and renew our hope.

But when discouragement comes, it helps to consider something as ordinary as washing dishes. We washed them yesterday, and here they are again, dirty and waiting to be cleaned. Day after day, we wash the dishes. Does it make a difference? Stop washing them for a week—or a month—and see what happens.

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