Weary in Doing Good

"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

The Apostle Paul surely knew how hard just trying to do the right thing can be. Sometimes it seems like doing the wrong thing would actually be much easier.

It's easier to hold unforgiveness than to release the person and the pain to the Lord. It's easier to pass along some juicy gossip in the form of a "prayer request" than to keep the information to yourself and pray earnestly for God to work in a person's life. It's easier to wear our feelings on our sleeves and come back with a quick "what did you mean by that?" when our spouse or friend simply points out an area we may need to grow in. It's easier to give into feelings of despair and hopelessness than to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. " (2 Cor 10:5)

I like the promise at the end of this verse: "for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up". Notice it doesn't say we might or could possibly reap a harvest. No it says that we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

I realized a long time ago that the enemy doesn't believe he will have victory in our lives because he's more powerful than the Lord--he knows that's not true. He's just hoping that we will give up before he does.

Giving up is not an option, is it?

Jars of Clay

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed,but not in despair, persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed...So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal!" 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, 18

2 Corinthians chapter 4 is hands down my favorite chapter in the Bible. It reminds me what I am (a clay jar), it reminds me that the trials in my life are an opportunity for my God to show His power, and finally it reminds me that what I'm looking at right now for the most part is temporary. It's the things that I don't see with my eyes that really matter--they are the stuff that eternity is made of.

This past week I have experienced the highs and lows of life here on this earth. I got to meet my newest grandson, Garrett Randall, and the next day I drove several hours to be with my father and the rest of my family as my Dad had by-pass surgery. With each passing day I am more keenly aware that whether I like it or not, most of my life is pretty much out of my control. The only things I really have any control over are my own thoughts and attitudes and my willingness to surrender myself to Christ.

There is an old song that ends with these words"...Many things about tomorrow I don't seem to understand. But I know who holds tomorrow and I know He holds my hand."

Resolutions....

"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus"
Philippians 3:14

New Year's Resolutions. Have you made any yet? Have you broken any already? When I think of being resolute about something I get a picture of being very determined and focused on a particular goal. Maybe that's the mindset that the Apostle Paul had when he penned this verse. That's how I really want to be in 2009--determined and resolute in my passion for Christ.

When I hear the word resolution I always remember the old hymn written in 1896 by Palmer Hartsough and James H. Filmore, Sr. "I Am Resolved"

I am resolved no longer to linger,
Charmed by the world's delight;
Things that are higher, things that are nobler,
These have allured my sight.

I will hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, Greatest, Highest, I will come to Thee.

I am resolved to go to the Savior,
Leaving my sin and strife;
He is the true One, He is the just One,
He hath the words of life.

I am resolved to follow the Savior,
Faithful and true each day;
Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth,
He is the living way.

I am resolved to enter the Kingdom,
Leaving the paths of sin;
Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me,
Still I will enter in.

God's blessings in 2009!