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
Encouragement to help you finish strong!
Have you ever eaten when you weren't really hungry? I have. Why do we do we try to meet a need with the wrong answer? It's a case of mistaken identity.
The truth is, it's easy to misread what we are needing. Sometimes we are just too busy or tired to take the time to analyze it. It's easier just to quiet the need with the most universal solution in hopes of relief. However, misidentifying your real need can result in an outcome you may regret.
Let's take boredom, for example. Have you ever found yourself rummaging through the refrigerator or pantry looking for something to eat because you were bored? Is food the right answer for boredom? No, but if you don't realize that you're bored you'll just continue to eat - yet your need will remain unmet.
In the church today, one of the most commonly misidentified needs is weariness. This point was never more true than in a church plant where people are serving hard every week. If weariness is misidentified, then the answer will also be wrong. Weariness leaves us vulnerable to many negative things which can play a part in the "misidentification" process. Sometime we might even mistake this physical need for a spiritual one. The emptiness of both needs feels similar but the answers to them are very different.
I am convinced that this is one of the reasons the Bible specifically warns us to "not grow weary in doing good." This verse is not only urging us not to quit "doing good", but it's urging us not to "grow weary."
Let me give you a few questions to help you identify where you are are:
1. Are you getting the right amount of rest?
2. Ask yourself, am I doing too much on my own without asking for help?
3. Am I confusing being spiritually depleted for physical fatigue?
If your answer is "weariness", here's what you can do:
1. Make efforts to go to bed earlier , especially if you are serving the next morning.
2. Take off a week from serving and return with a refreshed heart. Spend extra time with your family.
3. Ask for help. God always provides.
If your answer is "spiritual hunger: here's what you can do:
1. Make sure you are taking time to pray and read the Word daily.
2. Go to the Christian book store and pick up a workbook to spiritually edify yourself.
I want all of you to know how much I love and care about you and your wellbeing - both physically and spiritually. I encourage you to take care of yourselves so you won't grow weary in serving. Our November 2 Move In Celebration is almost there! We will all reap a harvest together if we do not give up!
Prayer: Father - Thank you for the strength to serve and walk forward. And the wisdom to know how to use that strength. Amen.
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