The Work Defines the Man

Today was a little different. There was a lot to process.

My morning began with two unexpected power outages—one at home and another at the facility I manage. What should have been a quiet day of PTO quickly became a day filled with concern, reflection, and prayer. As I sat in the silence, waiting for the lights to come back on, I found myself wrestling with thoughts that have become all too familiar.

The truth is, I struggle to completely disconnect from work. Even when I’m off the clock, my mind often remains focused on the people, projects, and problems that need attention. I know there are times when I should simply step away and trust others to handle what is in front of them, yet that is easier said than done.

During my morning coffee with Jesus, I brought all of these concerns to Him. I was worried about the venue. I was worried about my team. I was worried about situations that I could not personally control. As I prayed, one verse came to mind with remarkable clarity:

“And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;” — 1 Thessalonians 4:11 (KJV)

The message was simple, yet powerful.

Be quiet.

Mind your own business.

Do the work that is in front of you.

I felt the Lord firmly reminding me that I cannot carry the weight of every situation or every person’s choices. I cannot make everyone happy. I cannot force people to do what is right. I cannot shield others from the consequences of their decisions.

What I can do is focus on the work God has placed before me.

Sometimes I spend too much energy worrying about how people perceive me, whether they understand my intentions, or whether everyone is satisfied with the outcome. But God reminded me that our lives are not measured by the stories we tell about ourselves. They are measured by the fruit we produce.

The work defines the man, not the story.

Anyone can tell a good story. Anyone can explain why something wasn’t their fault. Anyone can justify their actions. But over time, character reveals itself through consistent actions. Faithfulness, integrity, diligence, humility, and obedience leave a trail that speaks louder than words ever could.

I also realized that much of my stress comes from wanting the best for everyone around me. I want my team to succeed. I want people to make good decisions. I want the venue to thrive. I want everyone to be happy.

Yet God reminded me that every person has been given free will. They are responsible for their own choices. They will experience the blessings or consequences that follow those choices. My responsibility is not to control the outcome. My responsibility is to be faithful, lead well, tell the truth, and pray for those entrusted to my care.

The burden of changing people belongs to God, not me.

Perhaps that was the lesson hidden within the silence of those power outages this morning. When everything around me stopped, God created a quiet place where He could remind me of an important truth:

Do your work.

Trust God with the rest.

At the end of the day, I am not responsible for everyone else’s actions. I am only responsible for my own obedience. The rest belongs to Him.

💭 Reflection

Are you carrying burdens that God never asked you to carry?

Do you find yourself worrying about situations, people, or outcomes that are beyond your control?

Perhaps today is a reminder that faith is not only trusting God when things are difficult. Sometimes faith is trusting God enough to let go and allow Him to work in places where we cannot.

Do the work God has given you. Pray for others. Lead with integrity.

Then trust Him with the results.

🙏 Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the quiet moments when You speak truth into my heart. Help me to focus on the work You have placed before me and not become consumed by things I cannot control. Teach me to trust You with the people I care about and the situations that concern me.

Give me wisdom to lead, courage to do what is right, and peace to leave the outcomes in Your hands. Remind me that my responsibility is obedience, while Your responsibility is sovereignty.

Help me to be faithful in my work, humble in my service, and confident in Your plan.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

IN Christ
Jeffrey Trester