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b'READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 3:5-9; 2 PETER 3:9; 1 JOHN 4:19\\n\\n\\n\\nHave you ever worked behind the scenes in a theater production? Much of the work that goes into making a show great\\u2014designing the set, moving set pieces during the performance, timing special effects, running the sound systems, doing cast members\\u2019 makeup and hair, etc.\\u2014is not seen or noticed by the audience. All the audience sees is the successful show, not what goes on behind the closed curtains.\\n\\n\\n\\nGod often does a lot of behind-the-scenes work too.\\n\\n\\n\\nHave you ever been praying for someone and felt discouraged when you didn\\u2019t see any change in that person? Have you done your best to tell someone about Jesus, but it hasn\\u2019t seemed to make any difference?\\n\\n\\n\\nBe encouraged! You don\\u2019t know what God has been doing in that person\\u2019s heart. It could take a very long time for them to come to Jesus, but keep sharing God\\u2019s love with them and keep praying. As Christians, we can trust God with the results, knowing He \\u201cis patient\\u2026not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance\\u201d (2 Peter 3:9).\\n\\n\\n\\nGod is working, so keep praying (John 5:17; 1 Timothy 2:1-6). We can trust Him to bring about His good purposes. He has promised that all things will be made new, free from sin and death, and that everyone who puts their trust in Jesus will dwell forever with Him and His people in the new heavens and the new earth (Romans 8:20-29; Revelation 21:1-5). Even now, He is continuing to work behind the scenes, drawing people to Himself. \\u2022 A. W. Smith\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u2022 If you know Jesus, who were the different people God worked through to show you more about Him? Consider taking a moment to thank God for them\\u2014and maybe thank the people too!\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u2022 What are some ways we can show God\\u2019s love to those who don\\u2019t know Jesus yet? As we pray for these people, we can ask God to give us ideas and opportunities to share His love.\\n\\n\\n\\nI [Paul] planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 1 Corinthians 3:6 (NIV)'