Don't Grow Weary

 By: Joanne Viola

 

We have just come through the season of Advent. The time of waiting.

We wait for twenty five days with expectation, in anticipation, of what is to come. And we know at the end of our wait, we are reminded of the birth of Jesus.

Advent reminds us that we don’t like to wait.

The dictionary defines “waiting” as: “to remain stationary in readiness or expectation” (from merriam-webster.com).

The mere definition implies a position of being stuck; having to stay in one place longer than we would like.

None of us enjoy being stuck, feeling as if we cannot move or change our position or circumstances.

Yet Advent reminds us each year of the important role which waiting plays in our journey with the Lord.

“Let us not lose heart in doing good, 
for in due time we will reap 
if we do not grow weary.” 
(Galatians 6:9, NASB)

Advent also reminds us of our God who holds all of our times in His hands.

“But when the fullness of the time came, 
God sent forth His Son, born of a woman …” 
(Galatians 4:4, NASB)

“The fullness of time”. Some versions word this as:

• “But when the set time had fully come…” (NIV)
• “But when the right time came…” (NLT) 
• “But when the proper time had fully come…” (AMPC)
• “When the time came to completion…” (HCSV) 
• “But when the appropriate time had come…” (NET) 

Look at the wording, “Let us..”. As he was writing Galatians, Paul was speaking to himself as well as everyone for all of time. He knew what it was to face challenging and painful circumstances. He was encouraging himself as well as all of us to persevere as we wait.

As we trust God each day, we find strength for each day. We are not to grow weary, nor lose heart, but continue to do good knowing God is working out His plan and purposes.

The wait is over and yet, in actuality,
it will never be over until the Lord returns.
Paul’s message to us all is really a simple one: “Don’t quit!”

 

Reflection: 
What are you yet waiting for? What can you do to encourage yourself, and perhaps others, not grow weary?

 

Image by Susanne Stöckli from Pixabay