Weariness

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

All the time I see people, young and old, who are frustrated with their Christian walk. They do all the right things - they read their Bible, they pray, they witness to their friends, they go on mission trips, they work in their youth group, and they volunteer whenever necessary. They work really hard, but they have begun to just go through the motions. Anything having to do with ministry has become work. And when all you do is work, you get very tired - you grow weary in doing good things. The least little thing becomes a burden.

If God is the source of their strength, why does this happen? It's because they're weary. They are operating without the edge. They are doing good things, but not as unto the Lord. Their passion and fire look more like a small lighted match because their whole focus is on how tired they are, how much they have done and are doing, and how little results and rewards they have gotten for all their work.

When your youth group goes out and witnesses to people, do you think, Oh man, another night talking to a bunch of perverts about Jesus. Why don't they just get their life straightened out! Or does your heart fill with excitement in anticipation of leading someone to Jesus? Wow! I can't wait to share Jesus.

What about your friends at school? Maybe there have been a few you have witnessed to many times without any response from them. You're so tired of them saying no that you've given up. You think, If they haven't said yes to Jesus by now, they never will. Or you have invited a friend to come to your youth group so many times that you've lost count. You think, Why ask again? They'll just say no.

These are weary responses! Wake up! You are losing the edge!

God has put something fresh and alive in you - the Holy Spirit - the same Spirit Who resurrected Jesus from the dead lives in you!

You say, "I know that. So how do I wake up? How do I keep from growing weary in doing good things?"

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ" (Col. 3:23-24, KJV).

First, do everything as if Jesus was standing right next to you, asking you to do it. Whether it is helping your parents around the house, helping your brother or sister with their homework, taking the dog for a walk, witnessing to a friend, going to youth group, or going on a mission trip - you are doing it all for Jesus. If that is your attitude, you will not get tired of doing good.

Secondly, check your heart. What motivates you to do the good things you do? Do you want to be recognized? Are you promoting yourself or God? Do you want something in return? Or do you just want to please Jesus?

We were never meant to do anything for God without having the edge.

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isa. 40:28-31)

Write down any place you've gotten weary and have nearly given up. This could be a dream, a friend being saved, or your participation in youth group.

Now declare, "God, I am not going to give up on the things I know You have called me to do. From now on I am going to look to You for my sole strength. I am going to do everything as if You were personally asking me to do it."

Source: Spiritual Shock Treatment by Ron Luce.