Warning Against Weariness
I’ve been aware of feeling quite tired recently. It can often be difficult to keep going when we lack energy. Today as I thought about the fatigue I felt, that consideration was quickly and clearly interrupted as this verse came to mind.
13But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 (NASB)
As I pondered this scripture, it struck me that the instruction did not promise that we would never become tired. Instead we are exhorted not to grow weary of doing good. Weariness is a physical and mental exhaustion that makes us vulnerable to becoming discontent and miserable.
In another passage in the Bible, we are urged to not lose heart, and we are promised that we will in fact reap if we do not grow weary. (Galatians 6:9)
I admire and respect those who are willing to continue serving and doing what God has called them to do even though they are tired and seem to have spent all of their natural resources. How do they do it? How do precious faithful servants keep going? I believe there is an antidote for weariness. Our solution is not to simply grit our teeth in some misguided attempt to muster up a meager amount of human energy on our own. The remedy is to take hold of grace and consider our Savior. We are to steadfastly gaze on Jesus who is the source of faith. He endured and completed the work to supply all our need.
So dear ones, may God bless you as you labor. Do not lose heart. Keep your eyes on Jesus and trust Him to provide and take care of you.
Hebrews 12:2-3 (New American Standard Bible)
2fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
13But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 (NASB)
As I pondered this scripture, it struck me that the instruction did not promise that we would never become tired. Instead we are exhorted not to grow weary of doing good. Weariness is a physical and mental exhaustion that makes us vulnerable to becoming discontent and miserable.
In another passage in the Bible, we are urged to not lose heart, and we are promised that we will in fact reap if we do not grow weary. (Galatians 6:9)
I admire and respect those who are willing to continue serving and doing what God has called them to do even though they are tired and seem to have spent all of their natural resources. How do they do it? How do precious faithful servants keep going? I believe there is an antidote for weariness. Our solution is not to simply grit our teeth in some misguided attempt to muster up a meager amount of human energy on our own. The remedy is to take hold of grace and consider our Savior. We are to steadfastly gaze on Jesus who is the source of faith. He endured and completed the work to supply all our need.
So dear ones, may God bless you as you labor. Do not lose heart. Keep your eyes on Jesus and trust Him to provide and take care of you.
Hebrews 12:2-3 (New American Standard Bible)
2fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
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