When we have done our best to serve the Lord, a thoughtless or critical remark can take away our joy. When that happens, we must focus instead on what God thinks about us.

Jan, a church music director, had led her combined choirs and orchestra in a stirring but difficult cantata. Rehearsals had not gone well, especially for the string section. Following the performance, one of the violinists snapped at Jan angrily, "We should have practiced more for this program so we could have done it right!"

Jan was devastated. This was, after all, a volunteer effort for a church audience. No admission was charged. Many of the musicians were not trained, but they were willing to give their talent to the Lord. They had done well, and people were uplifted.

As Jan drove home, she prayed with tears streaming down her face. Then the Lord spoke to her heart, reminding her that He accepted her efforts. This gave her peace.

Don't let unjust criticism about your ministry get you down. Keep serving Christ fervently (Rom. 12:11). The Lord is pleased by service done from a willing heart and a desire to honor Him. What's most important is that He accepts it.  — David C. Egner