Follow Through (Persevere!)

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. Galatians 6:9-10

The sixth law of the harvest is ..."We reap the full harvest of the good only if we persevere; the evil comes to harvest on its own." This law basically says that if you want the medal, you have to cross the finish line. Even if you have to drag yourself across that line by your elbows, you must finish to reap the reward.  You cannot plant the seeds in the garden and then never go back and water it and pull the weeds expecting to get a beautiful crop.  Planting the seed is not the end. To reap the full harvest of the good requires consistent and faithful effort.

Persevere - Doggedness, steadfastness, persistence, tenacity - all of these imply a resolute and unyielding grasp and completion of a course of action. This is not necessarily a word associated with something pleasant.  Perseverance commonly suggests activity maintained in spite of difficulties or steadfast and long-continued application.

Discouragement can get in the way of perseverance.  The dictionary defines discouragement as; “a feeling of despair in the face of obstacles; or a state of distraught and loss of sense of enthusiasm, drive or courage.” . It is human nature to lose the desire to continue because of difficult circumstances or unfulfilled expectations.  This is especially true when results are not immediately apparent; when, in fact, it seems as if our work is unproductive, unappreciated, or unrewarded.  The dangers of discouragement are:

• an unfinished task which may result in…
• increased discouragement followed by …
• a hesitancy to attempt anything again

DISCOURAGEMENT comes when things don't happen the way WE think they should. God’s promise to the faithful and believing is that we will reap the harvest.  Don’t let discouragement derail you. Persevering comes from the sure knowledge that God will keep His Word, the time of harvest will arrive, and therefore, our labor is not in vain.    

Pull Those Weeds!
Patiently waiting is a good character trait, but perseverance is not just waiting things out but working things out.  A gardener has to plant seeds for the harvest, but he doesn't have to plant weeds. They come about on their own.  "...the evil comes to harvest on its own" Don't give up and let the weeds have the garden. Persevere and let the weeds cause you to enjoy the harvest that much more!