⛪️ This Sunday

Take Courage

Acts 23 · Sunday, May 24 · 9:45 AM

Pastor Garrison preaching. Come early, sit close, bring a friend.

Church family,

Abbie Barefield is a gifted writer and has stepped in to write a devotional for us this week. How grateful I am that the Lord has given our body so many talented and gifted people who can clearly communicate his word. Enjoy this message on servanthood from her:

In the Peace of Christ,
Pastor Garrison

✏️ A Word From Abbie Barefield

Serving Without Recognition

We all like to be recognized for things we’ve done; especially the things we’re proud of. Things like giving something our all, pushing through something difficult, or showing up when it wasn’t easy, only to feel like no one really noticed.

Recognition feels good. It affirms us. It makes us feel seen and valued. But what happens when we don’t get the recognition we feel we deserve? Disappointment can quietly set in. And if it’s left unchecked, disappointment can slowly become discouragement. From there, bitterness and resentment can begin to take root. Comparison starts creeping in too; measuring our effort against others, and eventually, even shifting our motives for serving in the first place.

In John 6:1–13, we see a boy with five barley loaves and two fish. When Jesus asked Philip how they would feed a large crowd, this boy simply offered what he had. His name is never recorded. He isn’t highlighted or praised by the crowd. But his small, willing gift became part of a miracle that fed thousands. There’s no indication that he demanded recognition or tried to make sure everyone knew what he contributed. He simply gave what he had.

His life reminds us that God often uses what others overlook. And that truth is reinforced in Matthew 6:4: “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” God is not blind to quiet obedience. He sees what is done when no one else is watching. That’s because we are not ultimately working for the approval of people. We are working for Him.

Serving without recognition is often where the deepest obedience and humility are formed. It is where motives are purified and faith becomes less about being seen and more about being faithful. One day, everything we’ve done will be brought before the Lord. So the question is not just whether our service is noticed here, but what it points to there.

By Abbie Barefield

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