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Isaiah 49:4 · KJV

"Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the LORD, and my work with my God."

King James Version

What does Isaiah 49:4 mean? →

Passage Context

2And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;
3And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.
4Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the LORD, and my work with my God.
5And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.
6And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

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Reflection Questions

1

How does it feel to labor without seeing results?

2

What does it mean for you to trust in God's judgment?

3

When have you felt your efforts were in vain?

Life Application

faith

Trust that your efforts are not unnoticed by God, even when results are not immediate.

work

Consider how you can find purpose in your work, even in challenging times.

Connection to Jesus

gospel theme

The speaker's feeling of laboring in vain resonates with Jesus' teaching about the cost of discipleship and the ultimate purpose of God's work.

See also: Matthew 11:28-30

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