Let Us Not Grow Weary

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

There is a scripture found in Galatians 6:9 that states: And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. This same instruction is found in 2 Thessalonians 3:13. The scripture states: But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.

During seasons of plenty, the ask for us to not grow weary feels “on brand” with our spiritual outlooks. We think to ourselves – of course, I’m keeping the positive momentum going. Nevertheless, we know that these scriptures were not written for those times. They were written for the rough seasons, the bad days, and the times when we’re incredibly frustrated with ourselves, our family, loved ones, friends, coworkers, and church members. They’re for the moments when our desire to do good becomes a bit fleeting as we start to feel ourselves growing weary from the situations that overwhelm us.

As the emotions build up inside of us, we might find ourselves wanting to express our anger. We look for coping mechanisms to ease the frustration and numb the pain. We seek out listening ears to vent about our days and lament over our situations. Not every decision we make during these times is bad, but not every decision we make is good either. The temptation to give into our situations taunts us, which is why God gave us these instructions. He wanted us to understand that in a sea of darkness, we still can choose His light. If we ask and believe, God gives us the strength needed to endure. Each step we take forward allows us to access God’s divine power, and from that, we begin to thrive.

To Not Grow Weary

It can feel strange to think that we become stronger as we make the decision to not grow weary – but we do. Weariness is defined as exhaustion which leads us to become disconnected from doing what is right. God wants us to stay in line with His will and His commandments, no matter the difficulties associated with the task. When we do this, we’re putting our commitment to God in action. Alone, we will not be able to endure, but with God, we can succeed. Remember, God honors our faith when we allow Him the space to show up in mighty ways.

Be that as it may, when the time between the sowing and reaping is longer than expected, not growing weary can become more challenging. In such cases, I usually think about Joseph. He spent years in prison although he was innocent. Through this terrible ordeal, Joseph remained connected to God – yet how did he do it? How can we do it? Well, we don’t get much information on Joseph’s mental state while enslaved and in prison. We do, however, get some insight from Moses and the Israelites at the Red Sea.

The Problem with Complaining

In Exodus 14, as the armies of Egypt grew closer to the Israelites, they started to cry out to Moses. They wanted to know if Moses brought them to the wilderness to die. In turn, Moses tried to tell the Israelites to trust in God. As this was happening, God stepped in and said to Moses: “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward.” On the surface, this seems a bit asinine. The Israelites were literally stuck between an army and a sea. Now, one could say – well God is leading, so we should just trust Him. And this is true, but imagine, you see an army and you see a sea. Would you complain or would you be willing to believe in deliverance?

If we go back to Joseph, the scriptures show no record of Joseph complaining to God though there are several instances when it comes to the Israelites. They were tired of their situations – understandably so. Yet instead of placing their trust in God, the Israelites were content to complain. This is the trouble with weariness. It will keep us in a state of dissatisfaction, which leaves us spiritually weak. Conversely, when we’re willing to go forward without seeing the way out, we tap into God’s strength…for we are called to walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Looking to the Author & Finisher of Our Faith

Joseph walked by faith and would go on to become one of the most powerful leaders in Egypt. God also put him in a position to save his family during the famine. Joseph’s outcome teaches us that we shouldn’t let darkness trick us into fearing what will come next. When in doubt, look to Hebrews 12:1-2, where it is written:

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Satan wants us to feel hopeless. Nonetheless, the scriptures remind us that Christ is the finisher of our faith. Not only is He the source, He also is the one that sees our journeys to completion. There is a relief that comes with saying aloud – please help me to not grow weary and strengthen me in the seasons I do not understand. God wants good for us, but how do we embrace this when our paths remain filled with darkness?

Show Me Your Will

We look to the example of Christ. In the Garden of Gethsemane, as Christ was about to face the most agonizing part of His journey, He prayed: “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” (Matthew 26:39). Such a statement reminds me of when Jesus taught the disciples how to pray. He started by saying “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9-10).

God’s will is the foundation of how we counteract the weariness that seeks to consume us. When weariness tempts me, I can find comfort in knowing that I’m following the will of God. I may not know the ending, or how all of the pieces will come together; I simply know that I’m going exactly where God is leading. But what about the times when I don’t know? During times of confusion or unsureness, it’s important for us to ask God to show us His will. It’s a courageous ask, because we may not be aligned with the answer, yet there is power to be found when we decide to submit.

We release the burdens that dare to control us as we stand bold in God’s righteousness. Such a disposition, however, takes practice and it doesn’t free us from discomfort. We live in a world of sin, and the darkness will show up. Ergo, cry your tears. Be willing to let go of the sorrow. Reject the weariness and pay attention to God’s instruction. When we do this, we learn to find peace through acceptance – and once we accept, our disposition changes. We give God the authority to move however He sees best, and in that we find God’s everlasting peace.

#GodBless from #LovesAnAction