A God of Salvation and Rewards

God begins calling and seeking after us. We all have different testimonies. Some children are led to Christ at a young age, while other people find God later in life.

It is our response to seek after God and to invite Him into our hearts. It is also our responsibility to keep seeking after God. I believe we are attracted to God by His goodness. However, many people do not want to follow the teachings of Christ. In John 6, Jesus asked the twelve disciples if they wanted to leave. I love the reply of Peter in John 6:68, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

After salvation, God calls us to service. God calls each of us to serve Him—somehow and someway. It can be a small act of kindness. I am friends with a Syrian man who owns a small grocery store. In his store, I noticed he did not have any produce. I brought him a box of hot peppers and tomatoes from our garden. He replied in Creole, “Mesi mille frois.”—which translates to, “Thank you a thousand times.” I have another friend who is a mechanic. I brought him some special tools. He looked at the tools with amazement. We all have different needs. God will give opportunities for us to serve. Perhaps a widow in your neighborhood cannot cut her grass. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” And in Galatians 6:7-8 we read, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” There is a blessing in daily obedience, service, and devotion to Jesus.

We need to focus on the goodness of God and not the evil of this world. Satan is trying to lead as many astray as possible, but our God is greater. “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” (Revelation 22:12) Haitians always refer to God as: “Bon Dieu.” This translates: Good God. Salvation has been made available to us. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9) God spoke to Abram in Genesis 15:1, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” We need to claim these same words over our lives. God is our shield and our very great reward. 

I am really not seeking any extra rewards beyond my salvation. Jesus paid the ultimate price and my salvation through His sacrifice is enough for me. My role as missionary in Haiti is really that of a servant. Yes, I have some leadership roles, but everything I do is to lead and care for the Haitian people we serve. There are many physical tasks involved. However, my talents seem to fit the tasks. All that we do, we need to do it unto the Lord. One day, I want to hear the words, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21a) ~Charlie DeTellis