Don't Grow Weary

Don’t Grow Weary

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.  Galatians 6:9 NIV

I had the privilege of attending a Gideon banquet recently in which a pastor (Dr. Keith Richardson) shared his testimony.  In 1970 he was 9 years old and was living in Germany where his dad was stationed in the army. On this Saturday morning, he woke up much earlier than the rest of the family.  Being in Germany there were no English speaking Television programs and only Radio America to listen to which did not cater to 9 year olds. He pondered how he should spend his morning. The following is the way in which he recalls the events of that day.

I looked on the coffee table and saw a Gideon’s Bible and an idea popped into my head.  I will go down to the bottom steps of our apartment and position myself in the most prominent place so that everyone can see me.  And when they see me, they will pat me on the head and say “what a wonderful child.”  I opened the New Testament and started reading some very difficult names who were begatting each other.  I pressed on and made it to John the Baptist.  I really liked him.  He was eating insects, and wild honey and wore loin cloth while living in the desert.  You gotta remember there were a lot of people like this in 1970.

Then I started reading about Jesus.  At this point in my life, all that I knew about him was that he was a good teacher, like Gandhi.  I made it to the section in Matthew called the sermon on the mount.  Then it happened.  Jesus told the people, “Don’t be like the Pharisees who are hypocrites. They like to perform their good deeds in front of people so that can be seen by all.” I turned many shades of red.  Shame filled my heart and mind.  How could Jesus know what I was thinking? How could he know what I was doing right at that moment?  I hid the Bible and returned to my room.

While sitting on my bed I became even more frustrated. “Who does this Jesus think he is? He has been dead for 2000 years, why would it matter what he thought?”  My only other option was to keep reading.  As I continued to I found out that he is not dead, but alive.  In John chapter 3, I read the verse that answered my questions. John 3:17 ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Somehow, in my 9 year old mind, I understood.  Jesus could take away my shame.  He came to save me.

I read the verses and prayers in the back of the bible.  I signed my name and put in the date.  I have been following Jesus ever since.

Then he turned to the crowded room and addressed those men and women who had been so faithful to give away 100’s of thousands of Bibles.  “Don’t grow weary in well doing…I never found out how that Bible arrived on our coffee table. Did we bring it from America, did my brother bring it home from school, or perhaps someone gave it to a soldier who left it behind? All that I know is this, I am a life that was changed because someone shared a copy of the Bible.  When I get to heaven, I will be able to thank that person who made it possible for me to find Jesus.”

Don’t grow weary in well doing.

Once a seed is placed in the ground the process of new life begins.  The old casing has to die to make way for the new life to come forth.  You can’t keep digging it up to see if it is working.  With the right conditions, it will bring forth the new blade.

Don’t grow weary in well doing. 

Love your family, and speak life over people continually.  Jesus sees your sacrifice to know him more intimately. His promise to be found by those who seek him will always be true.

Don’t grow weary in well doing. 

Preach Jesus. Point people to his love. Pray with boldness in Jesus name. Place the word of God in their hands. Pass the peace of Christ. Praise Jesus with the saints and when you are alone. Put your faith in Jesus to finish what He has started in and through you.

Let Christ bring the comfort, strength and support you need to finish strong.  Following Christ will lead you into advancing his kingdom. Grab a hold of his hand and keep walking into your destiny. 

Don’t grow weary in well doing…for you shall reap.