Do Not Lose Heart

Guest post by Author Julia Kay

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:9-10

Paul (yeah, the one in the Bible) knew what it was like to be physically exhausted. The man worked hard. He traveled. Biblical scholars estimate he walked over 10,000 miles. He preached, taught, wrote, and endured persecution because of his faith.

Yet in Galatians 6:9-10, Paul isn’t talking about physical exhaustion at all. He wrote this epistle (letter) to the church of Galatia, which experienced many struggles with the Greek and Roman culture on one side and the Hebrew culture with the legalistic Jewish party adhering to the Mosaic Law on the other side. Paul understood how confusing the times were, and he knew some believers were getting sick and tired of it all.

I’ve been there. Haven’t you?

As Christians, we’re taught to pray and read our bibles. We’re encouraged to attend church and serve there. Still, the enemy seems to bring mischief, grief, dissension, and contentions at every turn. Then comes the nagging little question, “What difference do our efforts make, anyway?” The culture, the political climate, and the economy will not change because I smiled and greeted someone in church. Our society has no desire to hear about self-control, responsibility, and the consequences of sin. We may still find the definition of integrity, patience, and sacrifice in Webster’s dictionary, but they’re hard to show. Right is wrong. And wrong is right.

The helmet of our salvation makes our head sweat. The sword becomes heavy in our hands and the shield of our faith weakens. Our hearts can grow weary. So, I appreciate this verse (Gal. 6:9-10) because Paul gives the Galatia church, and US, some encouragement; a reminder of how we are to live as Christians.

I needed this. I needed to examine the condition of my heart, to be mindful of what I am sowing. I needed a reminder to sow good seeds to all, especially those in the same household of faith (my church). I pray that the opportunities to do good will not have to knock me over to get my attention but that I will be on the watch for them; that I will be eagerly listening and looking for a chance to do good. It won’t eradicate sin, but it will make a difference in the kingdom of God. If we do NOT lose heart, at the proper time, we will see a harvest from what we’ve sown.

Thanks, Paul.

Julia Kay holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Southwest Baptist University and MFA from Lindenwood University. She lives in Missouri with her husband and has four children. She is a columnist and blogger, but also wields her pen to write fiction that explores the human condition and the extraordinary love of God.

Contact information includes:

Website: www.juliakayauthor.com

Email: info@juliakayauthor.com