Last month, I was working on a sewing project, got halfway done and was proud of my work, but suddenly realized that somewhere along the way, it got crooked and wouldn’t have a simple fix. I had to take out every single stitch (all 200+ of which I had put in by hand with needle and thread) and completely start over. It really felt as though I spent hours of work for nothing.

To a degree, I did, but when I finished that half for the second time, it was far more beautiful and perfect than I even thought it was at first before I caught my mistake. I think of this when I read today’s first reading. In our walk of faith, it can sometimes feel like we are working so hard to get nowhere. We pray, we go to Mass, we do everything we’re “supposed” to and yet we are persecuted or experience suffering or fight a deep period of spiritual desolation.

Isaiah reminds us that our reward is in God who loves us, formed us, calls us to be His light, and that God is our true strength. Even if we’re in a period where it feels like we’re putting in work to get nowhere, God will use us in ways we never thought possible. Our work in living a life of faith and developing a relationship with Him is not in vain.

Do I believe God will do good things through me?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of my life and for working through me to accomplish Your will. Please help me to remember that You are my strength and nothing is in vain. Amen.