Your obedience to God matters more than recognition

Ever felt like you’re pouring yourself out for everyone else, and somehow the cup never gets filled back up? Ever felt that quiet frustration creep in—the kind that whispers, I’m doing more than anyone is doing for me? I’ve been there. In fact, I found myself there one day, and if I’m honest, it probably really was just a day. But as many of us know, a single day of frustration can feel like a whole season if we let it.

In those moments, anxiety and emotion tend to amplify everything. We replay conversations, tally sacrifices, and measure effort like it’s a scoreboard. And before we know it, we’re convinced the imbalance is the problem. But here’s where I had to stop myself and get something straight—both for me and for anyone reading this. This is not a “people around us” issue. This is a personal one.

As hard as I am on myself, I’ll be just as honest with you. The real issue isn’t that others aren’t reciprocating. The real issue is what we do with the feelings that arise when we think they should. Because at the end of the day, the only One who truly cares about our response to those feelings is God. We can pout, vent, pull back, or harden our hearts, but none of that moves us closer to truth.

What if our service to others isn’t a burden at all? What if it’s mercy? Scripture reminds us that all of us fall short of the glory of God. None of us are operating from a place of earned righteousness. So, maybe the fact that we get to serve, to give, to love when it’s inconvenient, is not punishment—but grace. Mercy, even. Maybe God is not giving us what we truly deserve, but instead is allowing our service to shape us, humble us, and bless us.

So, the next time you’re having a rough day and feeling unseen, remember this: your obedience matters more than recognition. Your faithfulness matters more than fairness. And sometimes, the very act of serving others is God’s way of protecting your heart and drawing you closer to Him.