Introduction
For many of us, the call to serve God can feel like another item on an already packed schedule. When we already juggle work, family, and life’s daily chores, the idea of taking on more can seem burdensome. You might even ask yourself, “Is God disappointed in me if I do not serve?” or “Will he punish me if I serve with the wrong attitude?”
These thoughts are common, but the Bible offers a more encouraging perspective on having a heart of faithful service. The writer of Hebrews gives powerful examples of people who lived out their faith in various circumstances. Their stories reveal that it was their faith—not their works—that pleased God. Through their examples, we can see how to serve God faithfully in any season of life and rest in the assurance that He is pleased with us.
Serve in the ordinary
By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.
The story in Genesis 4 introduces two brothers: Abel, a shepherd, and Cain, a farmer. Both men bring an offering to God, but their attitudes differ significantly. Abel brings his first and best, and Cain a less thoughtful portion of his harvest. God commends Abel’s sacrifice, but he is not pleased with Cain’s.
The distinction was not the offering itself but the attitude of the heart behind it. Abel’s gift demonstrated his recognition that everything he had came from God, prompting him to honor God immediately with his best. Cain’s offering, in contrast, failed to acknowledge God’s blessing and provision in his life.
Abel and Cain were not on a mission trip or selling all their possessions; they were serving God in the context of their daily work. Abel understood that his work as a shepherd was a blessing from God and a form of service to Him. Likewise, we can treat our work as service to the Lord, whether we are in a 9-to-5 job, caring for our children, or managing our home.
If you feel more like Cain, don’t be discouraged. God did not reject Cain but invited him to self-examination and growth, demonstrating His patience.
1 We are reminded that God is more concerned with the posture of our hearts than our actions.
Serve by going
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.
Years later, in Genesis 12, God calls a man named Abram (later Abraham) to leave his home and family for an unknown land. God promised to make his descendants a great nation and to bless the world through him. Though the path was uncertain and filled with difficulties, Abraham placed his faith in God’s promise and obeyed.
This call to step out in faith can feel daunting. I experienced this myself when I felt God calling me to leave a decade-long career as an eye doctor’s assistant to pursue ministry. Questions flooded my mind:
- What if I fail? How will I pay my bills?
- I could empathize with how Abraham must have felt.
God may be calling you to “go” in some way. It might not be a call to leave your job or country. Perhaps it’s a smaller nudge, like volunteering a few hours a month or helping a friend with yard work. Whatever step of faith God is calling you to, He promises to bless your obedience and trust. Do not be afraid to serve by faith, because God is good and faithful.
Serve by waiting
By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.
In Genesis 17, God promises Abraham and Sarah a son, despite their advanced age. The writer of Hebrews highlights Sarah’s faith while she waited for God’s promise to be fulfilled. Sarah’s faith was not perfect–she had moments of doubt, and even 2–but God remained faithful.
Waiting on God can be one of the most difficult forms of service, especially when we feel anxious, hurt, or alone. I am sure Abraham and Sarah found their season of waiting difficult. However, even on tough days, they continued to serve God in faith by trying to conceive.
Just as He was patient with Cain’s flawed offering and Abraham’s missteps, God was patient with Sarah’s doubt. He reassured them and remained faithful. When you are in a season of waiting, you can serve God by trusting in His goodness. Be honest with Him in prayer; tell Him how you feel. Ask Him for the strength to trust and the peace that follows. You may not see His activity in the moment, but in looking back, you will see He was with you all along.
A heart of faithful service
The examples in Hebrews 11 show that God is pleased when his people serve from a heart of faith and love, and not out of their own strength. Whether you are in the midst of everyday life, stepping out in a new direction, or waiting on a promise, you can have a heart of faithful service.