"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9
Knowing personally how tedious and lonely it can be to work out solo, I was blessed to be able to accompany a dear friend for her last and longest (30 miles) training run. And as we set off early Saturday morning, she and I were looking forward to what we knew would be the best part of it-the finish and the time she could declare that all the hard work she had put in, leading up to and on this day, was worth it. And, many hours later, as we bowed to pray and give thanks that it was done, we reflected on how this moment could have been something not worth celebrating at all. You see, midway through the run, with the sun bearing down on us and fatigue creeping in, we briefly discussed cutting it short. But praise God we focused on the goal instead and didn't "give up."
And you know, as hard as this was to complete, living with the regret of quitting in the midst of the few obstacles we faced would have been harder. But do you realize that this battle to overcome opposition in our pursuit to the finish line is no different in our spiritual lives? Paul did. In fact, he knew it so well that he was compelled to remind the churches in Southern Galatia and himself (notice the word us?) to "not become weary in doing good." He was urging them, and us, to not become discouraged when things get hard but to press on instead and trust God so we would "at the proper time" reap the rewards and benefits from not giving up.
Wow. And you know the promise that "we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" is just as true today. It's a promise from God, himself, that we will one day reap what we sow... if we don't give up before the finish line that is. So keep pressing on my friend, especially when it's hard.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that guarantees that our hard work will have its rewards. Help us to remember this when we feel like giving up and instead look to you to give us the strength we need to keep going. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
Don't give up - Third Day
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