Paul encouraged the churches of Galatia to not grow weary and quit.
“And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary. 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.”
These verses make several truths very clear.
First, we are always tempted to lose heart and give up. It is simply too easy to quit, even for those things which are most important. In fact, it seems that we are most tempted to give up on the things which are eternal in value and pleasing to God.
Paul wrote these words for a reason. They are not simply a nice way to end his letter to the Galatian churches. They are words of encouragement from God. These new believers needed to hear these words. So do we.
Tomorrow will be January 10th of the new year. By tomorrow, an overwhelming percentage of people who made New Years resolutions will have abandoned them. If we can’t persevere for ten days, what can we do?
After Hurricane Katrina many people suffered “compassion fatigue”–they grew weary in well doing.
Second, we need encouragement to keep us going. Paul gave this to the Galatians and he continues to give us encouragement as well. It’s easy to quit, but don’t.
My fellow pastors and I need to hear this encouragement. Maybe you would be the follower of Christ who would pat your pastor on the back and encourage him to go on even when he is discouraged.
Accountability groups, small group Bible studies, and our personal friends are necessary to keep on keeping on. We all do better with encouragement, and we all struggle when we are all alone.
Third, let God’s Word and God’s Spirit encourage your heart and keep you going. He is “our help in ages past and our hope for years to come” (from Great is thy Faithfulness).
12 Responses
Good Morning! I just wanted to let you and all of the Pastors there at FBC Covington are doing an amazing job
We really do appreciate you all and really have helped us get there the hard times in our lives. Love you, The Bardwell’s
Thank you, Lisa.
Just wanted to let you know that Bill did a great job filling in for you yesterday. We are blessed to have such a great support staff here.
Thanks, Dave. We are all blessed to have people around us who are both competent and committed.
Thank you to all of our pastoral staff. You always reply to requests or instruction in a positive way and give us opportunities to have missions right in our own church and community as well as foreign missions. You are a great leadership team. Thank you for the love of Christ you all display to all of us. Nancy
Thanks, Nancy. We all appreciate your encouragement.
Thanks old friend. That is about the 3rd or 4th time your daily message was exactly what i needed at the time.
Thanks, Lindy. I appreciate your friendship and encouragement.
This is a good one!!
Still recovering and its a marathon with hurdles!!!.I’m on mile 13.
I re read one of your blogs over and over before surgery….it and still is an encouragement! !!! I’m building my faith bucket,when I’m totally healed I can help others.
God is so good. Thank you all.
It’s so good to hear from you Barbie. May God keep encouraging each day.
Waylon,
You, Martha and the FBC staff are a Godsend to us and everyone else you reach. I was in Bogalusa yesterday and a man I talked with said “I love Waylon”!
Thank you, Glenn.