Feeling Used and Unappreciated
by Charles R. Swindoll

2 Kings 4; Hebrews 6:10

For a servant named Gehazi, working alongside a high-profile, greatly respected prophet like Elisha was a privilege. But at the same time, it was a particular position that brought about unique temptations.

The "miracle child" God had given the barren Shunammite woman grew up and was old enough to work in the fields. While doing so, he either received a severe blow to his forehead or suffered a sunstroke or some other serious internal problem, causing the young lad to cry out, "My head, my head!" (2 Kings 4:19). Naturally, the mother thought immediately of Elisha. If anybody can help, Elisha can.

Elisha laid out a plan, and his servant was dispatched to the bedside of the mother's son. We can be sure Gehazi's heart was beating fast. He must have anticipated an exciting response, as God would surely raise the lad from death. He would be involved in a miracle! But nothing happened. Not a thing changed.

Suddenly, Elisha burst on the scene, and phenomenal results occurred. A miracle transpired. The child was raised!

Try to identify with Gehazi. As you do so, you'll feel some of the very human feelings Gehazi must have felt. Serve others long enough and you'll periodically dip into this valley. Gehazi had done exactly what he was told to do. Yet he had witnessed no change, no miracle. In came Elisha who suddenly did it all. And guess who was given the assignment to tell the mother? Gehazi!

And if that isn't sufficient, the chapter goes on to relate how a famine struck the area. Our friend, Gehazi, was told to whip up a pot of stew. Inadvertently, poisonous plants were dropped into the crockpot, and everybody cried out! But Elisha showed up and fixed the problem—again (4:38–44).

Gehazi had done the work . . . but Elisha got all the credit. I mean, the servant couldn't even make stew! How frustrated can one get? So it is with serving today. It is so easy to feel used and unappreciated.

Do I write to you who serve behind the scenes in a ministry or a business? You work faithfully and diligently, yet the glory goes to another. Your efforts make someone else successful. How easy to feel resentful! Assistant directors, associate and assistant pastors, secretaries, administrators, "internal personnel," take heart! Our God who rewards in secret will never overlook your commitment.

For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. (Hebrews 6:10)

A great verse for those of you who feel used and unappreciated.

Adapted from Improving Your Serve: The Art of Unselfish Living, Copyright © 1981 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. (Thomas Nelson Publishers). All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.

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