No Good Deed

Recently, Kevin and I were involved in a situation that caused people to shake their heads and say to us, "No good deed goes unpunished."  It certainly felt like that was the case, that our "good turn" didn't get "another," as the proverb suggests should have happen.  I knew going into this situation that there was potential for things to end badly.  My dad taught me to be cautious and conscientious, to take care of my things and to avoid unnecessary risks, to think about what could go wrong and ensure my plans cover every eventuality.

So my brain told me not to become part of this situation.  That there was a likelihood it could end badly, causing financial damage and hassle.  Prudence told me to stay away, but God called me to do it anyway: "But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?" (1 John 3:17).  So we did it and it ended badly.

But it was a blessing as well.  Obedience always is.  It does seem like our "good turn" wasn't reciprocated, that we were punished for trying to help.  But that's okay, because we will eventually get a reward.  For Christians, the phrase should really be, "No good deed goes unnoticed:" "Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matt. 6:4).  There's always a reward for our good deeds.  We just might have to wait until heaven to get it.

In this case, Kevin and I were also "rewarded" by an amazing group of people who came together to make up for everything that went wrong.  Guys gave up their weekend relaxation, their wives gave up precious hours together as a family, supplies were purchased, outside help negotiated and paid for, difficult conversations had in our stead.  We were blown away by all the support we received and are so thankful to God for bringing each one of them to our aid.  A really hard situation was made bearable by the selfless giving of these wonderful people.

So don't be afraid to take risks to help others.  Don't get discouraged when things seem to fail.  You will get rewarded; if not here, then definitely in heaven.  Your good deed will not go unnoticed. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Gal. 6:9).  Our Father sees everything we do and gave us the ultimate "good turn" by sending His Son to die in our place. Let's do the same in His honor.