Recently in Springfield, Missouri, people on the street noticed a man pacing on top of a downtown building. It became evident that he was thinking about jumping, so they shouted words of encouragement to convince him to come down. Then they wondered if the man could hear them. So they made large signs that said things like, “Let us help.” “You’re valuable.” “You’re not alone.” And it worked. The man came down.

What a great thing those strangers did. But that can also be exhausting—being there for people who are needy, people who suck energy out of you as their needs demand your attention. Sometimes they don’t give any indication that your investment in their lives is even working. It can be hard to keep going.

Jesus knows that better than anyone. He promised to always be there for us. It was hard to keep that promise. It was hard to be patient with his disciples, to be whipped and crucified and beaten. But no matter how hard it was to love us, he did. Simply because he promised he would. And he wanted you to know that if God makes a promise, he’ll keep it. So today, as you think of those who demand your time and energy, hear this promise from 1 Corinthians 15:58 to remind you that your hard work will always be worth it.

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”