Great Deeds Come with Great Honor

There is something inside of us, something deep in our very design that craves recognition. Not out of arrogance, not out of entitlement, but out of a God-given understanding that effort should be honored, and faithfulness should be rewarded. Let me tell you a bit of a story.

My second son, turning eight this year, has been knocking it out of the park in school. Outstanding grades, hard work, diligence, you name it. Like any loving mother, I have been pouring out my heart, telling him how proud I am, showering him with hugs, kisses, and all the affirmations I can muster. However, one day, he looked me dead in the eye and asked, “Mom, what will you do for me for all the great work? Are you really proud?”

Whew! I had to catch my breath because in that moment, I realized something, words are powerful, but there are times when words alone are not enough. He wanted something tangible. Something he could hold, something he could point to and say, “This proves my hard work was seen and honored.”

In the days that followed, my mind raced back to David, the young shepherd boy who stood on the battlefield and asked, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine?” (1 Samuel 17:26). At that time, rewards for victory in battle were common. Kings and leaders often offered great incentives to those who demonstrated bravery and skill in combat. David understood this, he was not just stepping into a fight; he was stepping toward a promise. David was not just going to sling stones for the fun of it. He was not just looking for a battle, he was looking for a breakthrough. Most importantly, he wanted to know what was on the other side of the fight.

David understood something: God rewards faithfulness. God honors those who step up, show up, and do what others are too afraid to do. Isn’t that just like life? Some of us have been putting in the work. You have been praying, you have been fasting, you have been showing up every day, giving your best and deep down, you are wondering, “God, do You see me? Will You reward this effort?”

I came to tell you today, YES, He does and YES, He will! God Is a Rewarder. The Bible is crystal clear on this as is written, “God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love,” (Hebrews 6:10), “The laborer is worthy of his wages,” (Luke 10:7), “Do not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time you will reap a harvest if you do not give up,” (Galatians 6:9). Some of us have been conditioned to believe that expecting a reward is selfish. Expecting honor for great deeds is not prideful, it is biblical! David expected it. Ruth expected it. Joseph expected it. The Lord delivered every single time.

When my son asked to call a few of our family members to share his achievements, I did not shut him down. No! I let him make those calls because my boy understood something, recognition should not be hidden. If you have been working hard, if you have been diligent, if you have overcome obstacles, then the world must know! As he shared his success, people started asking what he wanted and when he boldly declared what he wanted I chuckled. I also saw something powerful.

He had faith to expect.
He had boldness to declare.
He had the confidence to receive.

If we could just learn from the faith of a child! Some of us have stopped expecting because we have been disappointed too many times. I dare you today to start believing again, your faithfulness is about to be rewarded! It is important at this point to be clear, expectancy is not the same as entitlement. There is a difference between believing God will honor your work and demanding things without putting in the effort. David was not standing around waiting for a crown, he stepped into the fight. My son did not just wish for recognition, he put in the work.

So here is my question for you: Are you putting in the work? Are you slaying the giants? Are you staying faithful, even when nobody’s watching? Get ready for your reward.

I do not know what battle you are facing today. Maybe it is financial, maybe it is relational, maybe it is emotional. Maybe you have been faithful in places where no one even said “thank you.” Maybe you have been pouring out love, giving your all, and wondering, “Does anyone see this?”

God sees. He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Do not stop. Do not quit. Do not give up. Keep showing up. Keep being excellent. Keep doing what God called you to do because the same God who honored David, who lifted Joseph, who rewarded Ruth, He is about to reward YOU.

Your moment is coming.
Your breakthrough is coming.
Your honor is coming.

Never forget. Great deeds come with great honor.