Friday, May 15, 2026

Bible in a Year: Isaiah 12-17 | Matthew 27

There was a time when I was deep in the middle of a project I’d been wrestling with. Since I’d been procrastinating on it, I scheduled a block of time in my calendar to make some major strides toward completing it.

The day came, and my Outlook reminder told me to get started, and I did! I was doing exactly what I set out to do … I was head-down, locked-in, and working hard to push through the challenges. 

Then my phone lit up and buzzed with an incoming call. 

I glanced down at my lock screen and found it was someone I cared for deeply, someone I truly valued. So even though that moment felt like the worst possible interruption, I answered.

They called with a hundred problems, and all I kept thinking was: Now is not the time. Not during the workday. Not when I was so focused. I felt frustrated, almost resentful, thinking they should have known better than to bring it to me right then. 

But I soon felt the nudge that I was letting my feelings take control. My work felt more important than a friend's heart going through some pretty hard things. 

That gentle nudge brought me to remember a hard truth we all have to face: 

Achievements, recognition, and meeting project deadlines are important and can feel rewarding in the moment. But they all have one thing in common - they don’t last. 

So, how do we make sure our efforts are truly valuable?

1 Corinthians 15:58
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

That means the small, unseen moments matter more than we realize. The conversation you almost didn’t have. The time you chose to listen instead of rushing. The encouragement you gave when it would’ve been easier to stay quiet. 

Those moments carry eternal weight. 

Because when it comes down to it, people are the only thing we take with us into eternity. 

Let this eternal perspective shape every choice you make. 

True eternal impact is often found in ordinary, regular acts - letting God use you where you are. 

Be interruptible. Pay attention. Lean into the times that matter. 

When you live for eternity, nothing you do as the hands and feet of Jesus is wasted. 

Questions:
When have you felt interrupted by someone in need, and how did you respond?

How can you practically remind yourself that people matter more than projects? 

Next Steps:
Ask God to help you recognize moments when someone needs your presence, even if it interrupts your plans. 

Reflect on your priorities. Are they aligned with what matters for eternity? Adjust as God leads.

Prayer:
God, help me to see the people around me the way you do. Give me the wisdom to know when to pause my own plans and be present for someone else. Remind me that nothing done in love for you is ever wasted. Shape my heart to value what lasts forever. I love you, I trust you, and I worship you. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:
Ephesians 1:5
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

This post was written by Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content at CedarCreek.