Let Us Not Grow Weary

by Rebecca Dwinell 

A testimony of how God encourages us when we are weary. 

When my alarm went off, my face was buried into the pillow. “Lord,” I prayed, “I do not want to get up for another day of camp. I know there are fun girls in my cabin this week. I know this is week 7 out of 8, that Thursdays are fun, and I know I’m supposed to do this for your glory, but I do not have any desire to get up today.” 

Have you ever felt this way? Ministering to kids can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging and even discouraging at times. Sometimes I grow weary in well-doing. I feel like, after all my hard work and prayer, kids still aren’t getting saved and there’s no change. Sometimes I get discouraged by my own failures and sinfulness. And other times I’m just plain tired!  

That morning at camp, a small whisper from the Holy Spirit came to my mind: “…Let us not grow weary of doing good…” At that moment I couldn’t remember the rest of the verse, but it was enough to get me out of bed. 

I’ve noticed that, whenever I’m weary of doing good, God encourages me with His Word. Galatians 6:9 was God’s way of gently pulling me out of bed and motivating me to serve Him another day.  

When God gives YOU a verse, write it down to look at throughout the day. Sometimes song lyrics mirror those verses and I sing them to myself. Ask God to remind you of those truths when you find yourself in a chaotic classroom or a crippling crisis, when you’re in a power-struggle with a kid or experience waves of self-doubt or guilt, or when you’re burying your face into the pillow.  

What encouraged me most from Galatians 6:9 is that little word “us”—“Let us not grow weary…” Paul included himself. He needed to not grow weary too! It’s important for us to encourage one another to persevere. Can you think of someone who always points you to Christ? When you grow weary of teaching kids, talk with that good friend about it. Pray with them for your needs and pray for those kids by name. God has given us each other to strengthen and encourage each another.  

Sometimes, when we’re tired and discouraged, our focus drifts from God and we no longer look at our situation in the light of His goodness and grace. So, my second piece of advice for when you grow weary, is to focus on God. God has infinite power. He is full of compassion and knows how you feel. God is your helper in time of need. When you focus on God, He will renew your strength. 

God wanted to show me more from Galatians 6:9. During our camp’s quiet-time hour, I looked over the girls’ shoulders as they read their Bibles and wrote in their booklets. In Abby’s booklet, the question was, “Today, I’m asking God for…” Her answer was, “Salvation”! I was thrilled! I quietly asked her if she really was asking God for salvation. When she replied yes, I talked with her about receiving Jesus as Savior. Her questions and prayer were sincere and honest. I could hardly keep my tears back.  

Later on, God brought to mind the rest of Galatians 6:9: “…for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” God didn’t let me give up because He wanted to give me the joy of seeing this little girl come to know Him. 

So, let us not grow weary in serving God. There are many kids in the world who don’t know Jesus and others who need to grow closer to Him. You can give them the love and encouragement they need. In due season, God may show you the fruit of your labors, or encourage you another way. Even if you never see the impact of your prayers and hard work, God is the one doing the work. He is faithful to finish the work He started in you and through you. Don’t lose heart, friend. Keep your focus on God.