The Prospect of Weariness

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

Most of us at one time or another has felt unappreciated and like our good deeds don’t’ matter.  We don’t always see the fruits of our labor making it easy for weariness to set in. 

The Prospect of Weariness- If we do not grow weary…

The word translated "lose heart" literally meant to loosen or relax in such a way that a thing became weakened.  It was used of a bowstring that had lost its tension, thus lessening the efficiency and power of the bow.  It was often used of becoming physically weakened through hunger or exhausting labor.

Paul recognized an inescapable truth: well doing often produces emotional and physical exhaustion. Today, we call it "burn-out."  One reason for this is that our good works never seem to have a point of completion. Can we ever say that we have finished the work of evangelism?  Good works often carry a pressure of timeliness. (Parenting has no end; the gospel has no end)

The word "opportunity" in v.10 is the same as the word "due time" in v.9.  It means a limited amount of time, a decisive period.  The implication is that we must seize the opportunities given to us to do good because they may not present themselves again.  To avoid fainting, it is vital that we find time for spiritual, physical, and emotional refreshment.  Tired people (emotionally or physically) are less productive, prone to mistakes, and more vulnerable to discouragement and depression.

The Problem of Waiting - in due time…

Have you discovered that there are times we can do nothing but wait? Often we plant seeds that we never get to see harvested.  

In due time reminds us that there is a relationship between seedtime and harvest.  We have "opportunities" to do good. When they arrive, it’s time to sow. For every opportunity, there is a time appointed for harvest. To miss the former is to lose the latter.  Yes, we are encouraged to work and to weed. But we must also learn to wait.  It comes down to the fact we lack maturity in a true knowledge of God, thus we become impatient with Him.  We also must realize that God’s timing may mean that we shall reap, but it might not be in this lifetime, but the next.  

James 5:7-8reminds us Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.  You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

The Promise of the Harvest We Will Reap
We will reapis God’s promise to the faithful and believing. On this basis, Paul charges us to take the opportunities God gives us. 

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.  There is a need to persevere in sowing good seed. But it is seldom easy, often tiresome, and usually under appreciated. Sometimes, we don’t even see the fruit of our labors in this life. We do the sowing, and a future generation reaps.  Such is the nature of the harvest, but it is all in God’s plan.  

We can be renewed when we start to lose heart by focusing on what is unseen, not what is seen.  A tiny seed taking root is unseen deep in the soil. The seeds you plant may be taking root even if you can’t see them.  The things you see or cannot see in this world are temporary and what we work for is not of this world.  It is eternal.  By that hope we can be renewed to continue on in good works for the Lord. 

Scripture to Claim:So we do not lose heart. though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self his being renewed day by day.  For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:16