National Gallery of Art, NGO Image, Public Domain
“The one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:8B-10, ESV).
We have all been fatigued, discouraged and just plain tired. We become tired and having expended effort and energy into something, we may just want give it up. After a period of time, our interest and dedication in things has waned or maybe it has just disappeared completely. It can leave quickly or it can slowly just fade away as we devote less and less attention to what we were once interested in because we are just tired of it.
We can become tired of things as diverse as tangible projects and creations and we can become tired of community causes and interests as well. In all of this, there may or may not be any direct repercussions to people in most of our moving on from specific projects or causes.
Something quite different happens when we get tired in our efforts and involvement in the lives of others around us. Whether we are coming along side someone who is discouraged offering them support or encouraging another person in finding new pathways through a difficult situation or problem, our efforts are needed. There are people involved and they are relying on us to help them on their way. Their lives are important. There is nothing easy about being in the place where people are involved and we want to give up and quit. We have given much in most of these cases but more grace, love and commitment are needed in the lives of those needing our help. Yet, we feel like quitting because we are just tired of it all.
So then, where do we go when we are in this tired place? God wants us to remember, something greater is at work. He is working through us. He has plans in what we are doing. He needs us to give grace, love and commitment to others so His workmanship can continue in their lives.
Beyond all of this, is the simple reality … God through his work in and through us will bring about a great harvest of goodness from all that we do out of our love for Him. Furthermore, when we cry out in our weaknesses, He supplies more grace through His Spirit to complete any service to Him and to those around us. He comes to help and encourage us to continue. There will always be blessing in all that we do for God in the lives of others and we will always find blessing in the new life created in us along the way. God will always do something in our lives beyond our expectations, if we continue to serve Him beyond any and all moments when we are tired of doing good.
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more that we might ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20, NLT).
Suggested Reading … Galatians 6
