Sometimes we continue to serve God even when it is hard,
Because we keep on telling ourselves in our head that is it is worth it. Nothing wrong with that but a sermon recently changed my paradigm and have implications on my life. Basically the sermon can be summed in this line ' don't serve God because it is worth it( whether in this life-doesn't happen most of the time- or in the next-that we have been guaranteed,) but because He is worthy.
There is a difference. So even I am imprisoned all my life and die a terrible death because of my service for God, I must continue to do so not because it is worth it but because He IS worthy. Of course God is not that cruel and after all the trash Job went through God made it worth it while but I think another lesson in Job can be no matter what God is still worthy to be served.
In my context, I know for sure that if I was to serve God with all my heart and go into the depths of the jungle to be a vessel of His love I will lose my chance to marry the girl of my dreams( quite literally), give up any chance of having a big family( the life of Livingstone and Carey, clearly demonstrate missions and family don't mix), while others can live my dream and live a life of poverty( not extreme but a tour of Europe would be out of reach). You know what? It is not worth it but He is worthy. Still I am hoping God will be nice and give me a wife that is willing to the field with me( that is all I ask and of course loads of kids), He might make it worth my while but if not who am I to complain for He is worthy.