By Gail Marsh
The word of God . . . is at work in you believers (1 Thessalonians 2:13 ESV).
Each piece of artwork in the church pointed worshipers toward the love of God. Even the cross that dominated the front of the building served as a focal point, the very first thing people noticed upon entering the parking lot.
Once inside, the stained-glass windows lining both sides of the sanctuary captured visitors’ attention. They depicted several scenes from the life of Christ, beginning at his birth and ending with a resurrection window that seemed to radiate power and majesty.
From the arched and heavily beamed ceilings to the imported marble flooring, the sanctuary was beautiful—almost breathtaking. The grandeur made it easy to overlook the less-spectacular details. At the end of every other pew, for example, were small carvings, among them, a delicate oak leaf and two little acorns.
That simple carving communicated an important reminder; as we hear God’s Word, the Holy Spirit plants and cultivates faith in our hearts:
Faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ (Romans 10:17 NLT).
God feeds our faith as we hear and think about his Word. By the power of that Word, the Holy Spirit transforms the small “seedling” of faith into a healthy, sturdy tree, just as he has promised:
. . . that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified (Isaiah 61 ESV).
The Word of God is actively at work in you each time you read your Bible, teach a lesson, or hear a sermon. Through his Word, God coaxes us up into his loving arms. He teaches us. He helps us recognize our sin and then graciously reminds us that, through his Son, we have complete forgiveness. He comforts us. He dries our tears and sets us back on our feet. He equips us to serve others and to serve gladly.
What’s more, God promises to do that same work in the hearts of those we serve. As we share Jesus’ love with them in word or deeds, they grow stronger in faith. God’s Word makes an eternal difference! And in that, Jesus is glorified.
Dear Lord Jesus, work through your Word to grow faith—in my heart and in the hearts of those I serve in your name . . .
Editor’s note: Today’s devotion is slightly adapted from the Making an Eternal Difference devotion book. CTA has many volunteer appreciation gift ideas to help you show your volunteers just how much you value their efforts.