Persevere – Don’t Grow Weary

But as for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary in doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 (CSB)

I’m not gonna lie. This year has been hard. A child with an emergency appendectomy. A son with a multiple sicknesses and a sprained ankle. A nephew diagnosed with leukemia. Two dear friends hospitalized for major neurological issues. Storms with floods. Selling two houses. Moving to a new house and moving my wonderful in-laws with us. Tight finances because you can never predict all the expenses when you move. Near constant headaches. New responsibilities popping up over and over again. A never-ever-ending to-do list. 

It just seems like one thing after another. Sound familiar?

One Thing After Another

It seems like everyone I have talked to for the last six months is in the same place. Worn out. Overwhelmed. Just plain tired. 

The Apostle Paul reminds us not to grow weary in our pursuit of doing good. 

But as for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary in doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 (CSB)

Paul Can Relate

And Paul can totally relate to how a lot of us are feeling this year. He was extremely successful before his conversion to Christ. However, after his conversion, he faced opposition, persecution, shipwreck, arrest, physical conditions, trials, and more. 

Trials in Thessalonica

The people of Thessalonica were worse off than they had been when Paul wrote his first letter to them. They were experiencing rampant persecution, misleading teachers who were frightening them, confusion about the teachings of Paul and Jesus, and a growing group of people who didn’t want to work and were gossiping about everyone else’s business. 

Paul has to deal with the same issues that he addressed in the first letter in his second letter to the Thessalonians. And what does he say?

But as for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary in doing good.        2 Thessalonians 3:13 (CSB)

Jesus Understands

Jesus was verbally and physically attacked, tempted by Satan when He was vulnerable after fasting. He was betrayed, denied, and murdered. Yet He did not give up on doing good. 

Anything we go through, Jesus can relate to us and understands our exhaustion and emotions. 

We can take our overwhelm and weariness to the feet of the Savior. 

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you. Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.  Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world. 1 Peter 5:6-9 (CSB)

Action Step:

In order to persevere, we have to have a consistent routine of setting down our burdens at the feet of Jesus. Let’s start today with some time with the Savior. Let’s take a few minutes and talk with God about the things which are weighing us down and causing us to grow weary. 

Ask what God would have us do in those situations or request God’s intervention in seemingly impossible needs. He is the God who can do impossible things on our behalf. 

Pray that God will give you guidance in planning your schedule. What responsibilities can and should go. Then take action streamlining your calendar where possible so you don’t grow weary in doing good.

Prayer:

Dear God,  Help replace the chaos in our lives with Your supernatural peace. Lead and guide us daily so we can persevere in doing good. We cast all our cares at the feet of Your Son. Please strengthen us today. In Jesus’ name, amen.