“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9)
Each day our bodies grow tired. We may need a nap, or as we get to the end of the day we just have to “give it up” and lay it down. The spirit may be willing, but the body is weak and prevails. But there is another type of weariness that is spiritual. This kind of weariness would stop us from completing a God-given task as we look at how little fruit we have reaped from our labors. Perhaps, we thought the response of men to our efforts would be better. When we admit to ourselves: “Ye have sown much, and bring in little,” (Hag. 1:6) our hands are tempted to hang down and grow weak. We are ready to faint and abandon the project.
But if what we are doing is truly a “good work,” ordained of God, a season of little results or response from men is a testing time. God wants to know who and what we are laboring for. Are we laboring for Him, wanting only to receive His reward? Or can we be discouraged by the lack of human encouragement and affirmation? If we give up because we don’t receive a good enough response from men, are we not laboring for their praise?
There is a reward awaiting those who put their hand to the plow and don’t look back; who have their eyes on the prize and will not turn aside. In “due season,” they will reap if they don’t faint. They may never in this life see the full effect of their obedience to God, but “their works do follow them.” (Rev. 14:13)
There is a time to rest from our labors. But don’t call it a day when the night has not come. Let the Lord renew your strength and finish the work He has given you to do.