Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

It is a simple reality that we get tired. Physical tiredness is one thing, but emotional tiredness is far more debilitating. This simple word of encouragement from Paul is sometimes very appropriate for everyone. In a way, Paul was talking to himself here, because he had every reason to be tired. However, his faith, in one sense, carried him through it. I say in one sense, because as he was well aware, it was God who carried him through it all. As he famously wrote to Timothy, “I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12) That sentiment was beautifully set to music in a hymn over 150 years ago, by two men who lived through the US Civil War. That was certainly a test of faith! What they experienced is equally available to us today, but we have to fix the eyes of our heart on our Lord Jesus. For that matter, the whole history of the Early Church was one of persecution and suffering, so Paul’s words were timely then and equally applicable today.

As I have commented repeatedly, I don’t feel like I have really suffered for my faith, but I have certainly gotten tired at times. My recent trip to the US, though certainly blessed, was exhausting on several levels. Part of the problem was expectations. As it was the first visit in seven years, I had anxiety over the many changes that I knew had taken place in society in the interval. The rate of change has certainly increased! Likewise, there were many people I cared about that I knew this would probably be my last time to see them on this earth, and likewise, several people I also cared about that I was meeting for the first time. Such things have to be consistently yielded to God, or they are emotionally draining. Since getting back, I have had to hit the ground running, as the saying goes, but after two weeks back, I feel I am over jetlag and have delt with the majority of the backlog from my absence. This morning I am speaking at the monthly interdenominational prayer meeting that meets here, so I got up at 4. Tiredness is real! However, God’s grace is sufficient for me, just as it was for Paul, (2 Corinthians 12:9) so I am to rest, relax, and rejoice in Him, just as He has told me to do.

Father, thank You for this timely reminder. You know how I’ve been feeling recently! Help me indeed walk by faith and not by feelings, particularly when I feel tired, so that I may be fully available and useful to You, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!