When You Are Weak

By: Carrie Hammye                 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness Galatians 5:22

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8

It’s 6th hour and I have three classes left to teach. The kids are restless today, and I feel tired. I signal my friendly co-worker and slip out to the restroom. Down the long, empty, mid-class hallway, I breathe deeply…and I lean in. I pray softly under my breath. As I head back, I say each of the fruits of the Spirit in a barely audible voice. I ask the Lord to bring forth from me each of those good fruits. 

The quiet hall becomes my sanctuary, and my heart begins to rest. It’s a three-minute bathroom break, but it’s also a time to keep me from breaking. 

Tired will get you if you aren’t careful. That rude comment, the disdainful look, or the offhand comment could become the rest of the day. Or you can reach within to find what God already placed there - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, and self-control. 

The Bible speaks of rivers of living water flowing out of your belly (Jn. 7:38).  It reminds us that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us (Romans 8:11). With such power at work, we are no longer victims of circumstance and mood, we are overcomers. 

Maybe it’s time to fight for your Holy Spirit fruit, even on a bathroom break!

1. Is there a moment in your day that is unmonitored or fairly private where you can take a breath and pray?

2. What can you do to remind yourself to use this moment to pray the fruits of the spirit (a small rock in your pocket, a little note on your hand…)

3. Is there someone who could check with you at the end of the week and see if you are following through on your intention?