When we have been doing something for a long time with no noticeable results we can become weary. It can happen to all of us, and these feelings of weariness can sap our strength, motivation, joy and faith.
We can also become weary because of relationship problems, financial pressures, negative people, sickness, and others forms of attack that the devil may think up.
However life is not a short sprint, it is a long distance race, and if we realise it’s a journey then we will be far better equipt to keep going, and not give into the temptation to quit when we face setbacks, trials or have simply been faithfully working at something for a long long time.
God’s Word also encourages us to, “not get tired of doing what is good. For at just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Don’t grow weary in doing good.” (Galatians 6:9 NLT)
I’ve discovered some keys to overcoming and protecting myself against weariness and giving up, and with six children, pastoring churches, homeschooling, and just doing life I know what it’s like to grow weary. Here are some things I have learnt:
1. Make up our mind that quitting is not an option! We may have to change tact, our strategy, get some more help, and even tweak our vision, but that doesn’t mean we quit – we just get smarter and more resourceful with what we have in our hand.
2. Learn to see from heaven’s perspective. God sees the end from the beginning and everything in between. But we can look too often with our natural eyes, when if we saw with the perspective of heaven we would realise far more than we can imagine how God is at work on our behalf. He works behind the scenes, and the biggest mistake we can make is to underestimate what He is doing in answer to our prayers.
3. Get some faith muscles. Our physical bodies and muscles respond to training and strengthening to carry weight and increase our endurance. Likewise we can also strengthen ourselves spiritually, mentally and emotionally. We can do this by spending quality time with Jesus, read and act upon His Word, and activate our faith muscles to carry us through whatever we may face. If we are feeling weary we need to ascertain why and where we need strengthening, and then choose to do something about it.
4. Put patience to work – “By faith and patience we inherit the promises of God” (Hebrews 6:12.) Patience is a powerful tool to enable us to last the distance. Let patience have its perfect work because when we are believing in faith, we also need patience to hold us steady when it seems it’s taking a while. Patience is trusting in God’s goodness and that He will fulfil that which He has promised. The more we practice patience, the better we get at it.
5. Be aware and be on guard – opposition and problems may arise. Problems often arise to distract and to pull our attention off what God says, and what He has called us to do. They are designed to create an opportunity for us to become weary and tempt us to quit. However we can choose to take the offensive and be smarter so that we don’t constantly get “side swiped” by such opposition and attack. Be aware and be on guard! “For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil sprits in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)
Weariness can sneak up on us, so it’s wise to understand what is working against us to undermine and sap our strength, and what lifts us up and encourages us to keep going.
Today don’t allow yourself to grow weary in following the dreams and visions God has placed in your heart. Strengthen yourself and know that when we keep believing and moving forward God promises we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t quit.
Prayer: Lord would you please strengthen me today, and help me to put my trust in you and your goodness. Show me if there are any habits, situations, or relationships in my life that are designed to sap my strength, and to know what to do about these things. Thank you that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. In Jesus name Amen.