April 8, 2021
Keep Doing Good
Arlene Pellicane
Today’s Truth
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).
Friend to Friend
Sometimes I wonder if my work makes any difference. Have you been there before?
I have a friend Marlene who coordinates a moms support group at my church. I had donated some books for her to use as giveaways because who doesn’t love free stuff right?
The next day, I found this email from Marlene in my inbox:
I want to share something with you. I was getting anxious about my group having low attendance. This is should not have been surprising in the midst of the pandemic. I had been praying for guidance. God blessed me at that time with your books. I know it sounds like a little detail, but for me, it’s like God was letting me know that He was working. I don't think it was a coincidence!
The books encouraged Marlene, and Marlene encouraged me!
Today’s truth reminds us to keep working, even if we don’t see dramatic results. Galatians 6:9 is all about sowing and reaping. Now I’m not a farmer (I kill houseplants!), but I understand the concept that you can’t have a harvest without first planting seed. In good times and in bad times, we must concentrate on sowing the seed - the seed of doing good - even when the harvest seems far off or even unlikely.
We can continue to sow and not give up because God has promised that in due season, we shall reap. Our responsibility is to plant good seeds. God’s responsibility is the harvest.
Today’s truth verse says, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life” (Galatians 6:7-8, NIV).
I think of my friend Marlene and so many others who volunteer to make ministry happen. When we choose to invest or sow into other people, God notices and promises a reward. Hebrews 6:10-11 (NIV) assures us that, “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized.”
Wait a minute. This talks about the love we have shown God as we help His people. By loving others, you are showing your love for God. I have to admit it’s pretty easy to love God (after all, Jesus sacrificed His life for us), but it’s a lot tougher to love people, especially difficult ones.
The Bible urges us not to be lazy in loving others, but to be patient. Your attendance may be low. Your products may not sell. Your workers may complain. Your children may be ungrateful. But you can decide to be patient and keep doing good.
A patient attitude is more than just waiting for an appointment or for your meal to be delivered. Patience includes the ability to control one’s temper even in the face of mistreatment and to be willing to wait for God’s vindication. Instead of grumbling, you choose to trust that the harvest is coming and God will make all things right.
James 5:7-8 says it so beautifully, “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.”
Jesus is coming back. Keep working to help others in love because that’s the sort of activity that lasts. Don’t let present discouragement rob you of future joy.
Let’s Pray
Dear God, may my love for others increase and overflow today. Please strengthen my heart so that I will be blameless and holy in Your presence when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. I know a great harvest is coming.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
When have you felt weary when serving others? How did you get refreshed to keep on going?
Meditate on today’s truth and remember you will earn a future reward.
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).
More from the Girlfriends
Need encouragement to keep loving and serving your family? Visit Arlene’s new Happy Home University to see the latest master class.
© 2021 by Arlene Pellicane. All rights reserved.
Originally published Thursday, 08 April 2021.
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