Encouragement . . . for the Journey

"Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we don't give up."  Galatians 6:9

This morning as I was sitting on my deck having my quiet time, I read this verse.  Although, I've read it numerous times over the years, this morning it seemed to leap off the page.  You know what I'm talking about.  Something so familiar, yet you know God wants to show you something. 

The first thing that jumped out were the words "grow weary".  How often have we said, "I'm so tired of doing this."  Not sure what your "this" is?  Here are a few of the "this" things that God brought to mind along with His promises to encourage you in your journey. 

. . . I'm so tired of having to discipline my children ~~ I tell them the same thing over and over again until I'm blue in the face!!!  Will they ever get it???  "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."  Proverbs 22:6

. . . I'm so tired of having to go to this job every day ~~ I work hard and watch as others get raises/promotions, but does anyone notice or reward my efforts???  "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving."  Colossians 3:23-24

. . . I'm so tired of having to stay on this diet ~~ Why can others eat like they want and not gain weight??? I need help!!!  "As for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."  2 Chronicles 15:7,  "This is what the LORD says to you; "Do not be afraid or discouraged . . . For the battle is not yours, but God's."  2 Chronicles 29:15

. . . I'm so tired of always having to be the one to say I'm sorry or forgive when forgiveness isn't deserved!!!  "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."  Ephesians 4:30-32

. . . I'm so tired of praying for my family members/friends to come to Christ when I don't see any results!!!  "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up."  Luke 18:1, "Pray continually."  1 Thessalonians 5:17

. . . I'm so tired of trying to make this marriage work  when all I hear is "give up".  DON'T weary one!!!  "Blessed are those who persevere under trial, because when they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."  James 1:12  "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever."  Ephesians 3:20-21 

The second thing that jumped out was how ALL the sentences started with the word "I".  So what are we to do???  We are to look to Jesus Christ who helps us in ALL our situations and circumstances!!!  We need to remember where victory comes from.  It comes as we put our trust in our all powerful God to whom nothing is impossible.  Weariness will most likely not go away because it's part of life.  What will go away is our focus on weariness when we give that weariness to Him!!! 

The result is found in the last part of the verse.  "We will reap a harvest if we don't give up."  We can't have the harvest without the work.  Does a farmer receive a bountiful harvest without work???  NO!!!  Does an Olympic athlete receive the Gold medal without work???  NO!!!  Does a contestant on American Idol/Duet, etc become the winner without work???  No!!!  You get the picture.  Something that is worthwhile, takes work!!! 

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

Amazing GRACE how sweet the sound . . .

Love God's beautiful grace ~ His marvelous riches at Christ's expense ~ so undeserved ~ lavishly given to all who believe . . .

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace, which He has freely lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding."
Ephesians 1:7-8 ♥