In Galatians 6:9-10, God calls us to persevere in doing good – but that doesn’t mean He calls us to weariness. What’s the difference?
Paul Hurckman of Venture Expeditions says it comes down to moral fortitude. He points out that the apostle Paul, in writing to the Galatians, isn’t saying not to be tired. He’s telling us not to grow weary. Are we willing to persevere even when things are hard?
“‘Tired’ happens every single day; that’s why God created night and sleep. It happens every week; that’s why He created Sabbath. It happens for the ground, and that’s why every seven years we’re supposed to let it go fallow.”
But weariness is something different. Weary means we’ve given up. It means we’ve allowed the cares of the world to drain our passion and our heart for service. It means we’ve lose the moral fortitude to serve others because we’ve become focused on ourselves.
When Susie was a young mom battling Lyme’s disease, God knew her struggle. But even there, in the midst of her fatigue, Susie felt the Lord inviting her to serve.
Even in the midst of financial and health-related hardship, God invites us to serve. He invites us to be “flow-through accounts of His blessings.” He still cares about our needs and is intimately acquainted with our struggles, but when we’re hurting, we must choose to look out to others and up to God.
Weariness is also a sign that we’ve lost our gratitude. We can stop and thank God for every gift we have to restore our perspective and joy. Thankfulness is a refreshing practice and one we don’t lose without significant cost to our faith.
Paul reminds us of the ultimate promise of God to work in our lives in every season. We can be generous because, as God promises, “He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it.”
Key Scriptures: Isaiah 58:10-11; Galatians 6:9-10
Featured Songs: Deeper by Meredith Andrews; Move – Keep Walkin’ by Toby Mac; You Never Stop by Lincoln Brewster
Susie, I enjoy your show as often as I can. Many times, while driving, or just sitting in my car to take a break from the office, I tune in and am consistently amazed at how the Holy Spirit blesses me through you and your guests.
Yesterday was one such experience.. and it was profound! You had the gentleman from Ventureexpedition.org and I am “that one person listening” that you always speak of!
I have been going through SO MANY trials, with my faith having been tested. losing three of my brothers to cancer in a six month period starting in 2013, two inguries, and several surgeries, chronic pain, (which I know you can identify with) then ALL the ensuing struggles that come with being a woman in the throes of menopause, struggles in my job, etc… !! I need a reawakening in the Holy Spirit!!
Also, I am a bicyclist, I have ridden across the US for a charitable cause, and the conversation about doing these charitable things for THE LORD is EXACTLY what I need. I began a small, recurring donation to venture.org and I want to go visit their office. I know that I know that this is God’s calling me to do what I love for those He loves!!! I would LOVE to join in a bike ride, wear their jersey, and answer God’s call!! Thank you!! I will continue to listen to your wisdom, and the wisdom of your guests!!