Much of our best work

(J.R. Miller)

We cannot measure spiritual results, as we can those that are physical.

The artist sees the picture growing upon his canvas as he works day by day.
The builder sees the wall rising as he lays stone upon stone.

But the spiritual builder is working with invisible blocks, and rearing a fabric whose walls he cannot see.

The spiritual artist is painting away in the unseen. His eyes cannot behold the impressions, or the touches of beauty which he makes.

Sometimes the results of our work may be seen . . .
  in the conversation of the ungodly,
  in the comforting of sorrow,
  in the uplifting and ennobling of the downcast and degraded.
Yet much of our best work must be done in simple faith. And perhaps in Heaven it will be seen that the best results of our lives, have been from their unconscious influences; and our most fruitful efforts, were those which we considered done in vain.

"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain!" 1 Corinthians 15:58