Do Not Grow Weary in Doing Good

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

I’ve been clinging onto this verse for so long.

And I’ll be honest, there are days when I feel like giving up. When it doesn’t feel worth it to take the high road, make sacrifices, and pursue God’s calling for me.

This weariness often stems from comparison. Lies weave their way into my mind when I look at others’ lives and wonder why they have things I’ve longed for.

Why was she chosen?

Why was he given that opportunity?

Will I never see a breakthrough?

But God’s been reminding me over and over that He’s my sustainer. He’s the source of my strength. I won’t find fulfillment in chasing after those things on my own.

The things we covet are often idols in our lives. They can be good things, but when we believe those things will satisfy us more than God, they have a stronghold over us.

Surrendering those desires and asking God for strength is the only way we can endure the rocky seasons when it feels like we’re left behind.

God hasn’t forgotten you, friend.

Choosing to stay on the course God has set before us requires trust in Him. He promises that we’ll reap a harvest, but at His appointed time.

Not ours.

That means we might wait weeks, months, years–even decades–before we witness the fruit of our labor.

Perhaps there’s a difficult person in your life who you’ve treated with kindness and mercy. It would be wonderful to see them transform during your lifetime, but perhaps you won’t know the impact you had on them until Heaven.

Even if we don’t see the fruit of our good deeds, seeds are still being planted. Hearts are still being softened. Hope is still rising forth through simple loving actions.

We don’t do good in order to earn our salvation. We strive to become more like Christ out of gratitude for the immeasurable gift He’s already given us.

Jesus chose to die on the cross for our sins. Nobody forced Him to give up His life, but He loved us enough to make the ultimate sacrifice with no personal gain.

He loves us still, even when we stumble.

He didn’t give up, even when faced with death.

In our trials, both great and small, we must press on with hope and courage. Even if we never receive rewards for our hard work on earth, we will be rewarded in our reunion with our Heavenly Father.

His presence is enough.

When we die to ourselves out of love for God and people, we will find new life.

Let’s live in light of that new life today.

Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.

Isaiah 40:28-29