“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

Did you ever watch the series, Dirty Jobs, hosted by Mike Rowe? I was first made aware of it back when I worked for Caterpillar (immediately before coming to the Mission). Rowe thought Cat was ideal for partnership with his business, so he became our spokesperson because our construction equipment was used in the most basic and, let’s face it, dirty, endeavors. As he put it, Caterpillar was there, first on the scene, ensuring that the dirt was moved and the basic infrastructure was put into place for many of America’s buildings, bridges, dams, and highways. When a project is completed, you rarely see the part that Caterpillar played, but the work was essential all the same.

If you were to ask an equipment operator what he was doing while at work, he might say “I’m digging a hole, or just moving dirt.” But he could say, “I’m participating in a project (hydroelectric dam) to ensure that millions of people will have affordable electricity to heat their homes and cook their food.” The latter statement recognizes the big picture, and that vision should keep him going, even when the bulldozer gets stuck in the muck.

From my vantage point, I can’t think of a literally dirtier job than what many of you here at the Mission are faced with daily. And I know it is discouraging because for all your efforts, it seems we never make the progress we would like; we don’t see the life change that needs to be made, it seems like the complaints exceed the gratitude, and it seems like the more we serve, the more helpless and hurting people continue to walk through our doors.

Daily, you are a witness and obedient to the Scripture from Deuteronomy 15:11a “There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore, I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.”

It can be so disheartening and discouraging. What can we do? How can we go on, working these “dirty jobs?” Here are some reminders that should help:

1. Remember that God sees everything that you do.

He sees the work of your hands, and he knows the desires of your heart. He sees your circumstances, and the reactions to all your efforts. “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:17-18).

2. Remember that God cares for you, even if it seems like no one else does.

1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

3. Remember that God will protect you.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you” (Isaiah 43:2).

4. Remember that God will strengthen you.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

5. Remember that our God is Sovereign.

We may not know His immediate plans, but we know His character and we know the outcome. God says in Isaiah 43:19, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”

The reference to dirty jobs above reminds me of the story about the stonecutter, who when asked what he was doing, said he was building a cathedral. All anyone could see were the big rocks he was chipping away on, but he knew his higher purpose. That cathedral probably wouldn’t be finished in the stonecutter’s lifetime, but he was fulfilling his purpose.

It’s the same with us here at Nashville Rescue Mission. The work that you perform daily, mostly unseen and unrecognized, is fulfilling a higher purpose. You are doing God’s work. Like the bulldozer digging the foundation hole, the results of your labors may go unseen; however, know that when you are obedient to His will, He will bless you in His loving way and in His timing. God is Good, All the Time. All the Time, God is Good.“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33).  

In Christ

Judy