18/07/2021
Make Every Day A Mandela Day (Galatians 6:9)
How Can We Avoid Becoming "Weary in Doing Good"?
Do not become 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).
"Be not weary in well doing." We are God’s hands and feet here on Earth, called to help others and to build them up. In fact, the Lord expects us to intentionally look for ways to show His love to both fellow believers and people we meet out in the world each day.
But as humans, we only have finite amounts of physical, emotional and mental energy. So no matter how strong our desire to serve God, fatigue can set in after a while. And if it seems like our work isn’t making a difference, discouragement can take root as well.
The Apostle Paul understood this dilemma. He often found himself at the point of exhaustion and confessed his struggles at those low moments. Yet, he always rebounded, determined to continue following God’s call on his life. He urged his readers to make the same choice.
“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…” (Hebrews 12:1).
Whenever I’ve read Paul’s accounts, I’ve marveled at his ability to find new strength in the midst of tiredness, and even depression. If I’m determined, I can learn how to push through weariness as he did - you can, too.
What It Means to 'Be Not Weary in Well Doing'
The word weary, and how it feels physically, is pretty familiar to us. The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines it as, “exhausted in strength, endurance, vigor or freshness.” As we reach this place, negative emotions can develop, too. The entry goes on to say, “having one’s patience, tolerance or pleasure exhausted.”
Interestingly, two Bible translations of Galatians 6:9 highlight this connection. The Amplified Bible reads, “Let us not grow weary or become discouraged…,” and The Message Bible offers this: “So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit.”
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