Today, we will talk about how we shouldn’t allow ourselves to be discouraged and give up because victory is at hand.
Life can wear us down, especially when we get stuck in a rut. The bank loan isn’t approved, so our business can’t expand. The promotion doesn’t come through, so our career goes into limbo. The relationship has lost its charm, so our future with the person becomes uncertain. Consequently, all the joy we once experienced when we started the business, got the job, or met the person of our dreams has evaporated, leaving only weariness in its wake. What can we do?
Paul always has some great advice to offer. “Let us not become weary in doing good,” he says, “for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). But how do we ensure we don’t get weary?
One, rest up! God instructed us to rest one day of the week, but most of us do not take this seriously. We are human beings with emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions to our lives. If we neglect one aspect, it will affect the others. Physical fatigue can cause emotional weariness and make us want to quit. Even the great prophet Elijah experienced this after achieving some significant victories. A period of rest and nourishment renewed his spirit again.
Two, speak victory! Our language tends to become very negative whenever weariness starts to set in. How often have we said, “I’m too tired to do this anymore!” Not only do we talk of giving up, but we sometimes wish death would put an end to our misery. We don’t seem to realize that “the tongue has the power of life and death” (Proverbs 18:21). What we say is what will happen, so let us speak words of victory, not defeat.
Three, be strong in the Lord and wait on him! Our God is a God of power and might. He still loves the world and seeks to bless his people. He wants us to fulfill our destiny, but we must be patient and persevering. “Wait for the Lord,” urged David. “Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14). David went through a long period when nothing good happened, but he waited on the Lord and saw the results.
So, dear friend. I know how tired you must be from your constant battles that never seem to end, but I urge you to hang in there. Rest up, speak words of victory, and be strong in the Lord. I want to end with some more encouraging words from Scripture. “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Consider him who endured such opposition, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1-3).
God bless you.