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Articles
Let Us Not Lose Heart
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9
In today's data-driven world, we are quick to use numbers to judge our success or failure. However, faith is not a numbers game. Because faith is virtually impossible to quantify, sometimes we struggle to accurately assess the strength of our faith. We do not receive report cards or yearly evaluations letting us know if we are on the right track or not. Uncertainty often leads to doubt and worry, which then leads to discouragement. In Galatians 6:9, Paul encourages Christians not to “lose heart.” So how do we do that? We find wise counsel in Galatians 6:7-10.
Do good for others. Galatians 6:10 says “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” Selflessness is an attitude that is demonstrated through actions. What good are you doing for others? It does not need to be flashy or expensive, but it is probably going to take some time. Verse 10 encourages us to do good “while we have the opportunity.” The only opportunity you have is now. You can’t change what you did yesterday, and you are not promised tomorrow, so take advantage of your opportunity to do good today.
Do not grow weary. The reason Christians should not grow weary, or “lose heart,” is because we will reap “in due time” (Galatians 6:9). It would follow, then, that the reason we often do lose heart, is because we do not reap the harvest we expect when we expect it. Christians often create artificial benchmarks in our minds. If we go around doing good to all men at every opportunity, as we’re told to do in verse 10, but we expect to see certain results, we are setting ourselves up for discouragement. The results we often expect are not always the results God has promised. God has promised that we will reap a harvest, but we have to be patient. Different seeds take longer to produce. If you ever feel like the little red hen who does all the work with no help, take strength in knowing that God sees your efforts. When you get to heaven, you will find the reward to be more than worth it all.
Do not be deceived. Galatians 6:7-8 tells us “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal life.” When you see the little red hen hard at work all by himself or herself, give that person a hand. If you are the little red hen, trust in the promises of God. God knows your works. He knows exactly what you are sowing, and He is preparing you a bountiful harvest. He sees you, and He knows your heart.
Discouragement happens. When it does, remember to find renewed strength in your relationship with God. Turn to prayer and Scripture to rekindle your zeal and remind yourself why you started your walk with the Lord in the first place. Let us not lose heart, for our labor in faith is not in vain, and God's promises will come to fruition in due time.
