The Blessing Is Coming
"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
Galatians 6:9
A
friend and I went for a walk with her grandkids. While pushing the
stroller, she commented that her steps were being wasted—they weren’t
being counted on the activity tracker she wore on her wrist because she
wasn’t swinging her arm. I reminded her that those steps were still
helping her physical health. “Yeah,” she laughed. “But I really want
that electronic gold star!”
I understand how she feels! Working toward something without immediate results is disheartening. But rewards aren’t always immediate or immediately visible.
When that’s the case, it’s easy to feel that the good things we do are useless, even helping a friend or being kind to a stranger. Paul explained to the church in Galatia, however, that “a man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7). But we must “not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest” (v. 9). Doing good isn’t the way to gain salvation, and the text doesn’t specify whether what we reap will be now or in heaven, but we can be assured that there will be “a harvest of blessing” (6:9 nlt).
Doing good is difficult, especially when we don’t see or know what the “harvest” will be. But as with my friend who still gained the physical benefit from walking, it’s worth continuing to do good because the blessing is coming!
I understand how she feels! Working toward something without immediate results is disheartening. But rewards aren’t always immediate or immediately visible.
When that’s the case, it’s easy to feel that the good things we do are useless, even helping a friend or being kind to a stranger. Paul explained to the church in Galatia, however, that “a man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7). But we must “not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest” (v. 9). Doing good isn’t the way to gain salvation, and the text doesn’t specify whether what we reap will be now or in heaven, but we can be assured that there will be “a harvest of blessing” (6:9 nlt).
Doing good is difficult, especially when we don’t see or know what the “harvest” will be. But as with my friend who still gained the physical benefit from walking, it’s worth continuing to do good because the blessing is coming!
Today's Reflection
Are
you discouraged? Ask God to help you trust Him to be faithful in what
He’s called you to do. What good thing can you do for someone today?
This devotion reminds me of a story I heard of a missionary couple who had served faithfully for many years in a difficult spot in the world. After many years and advanced in years, they returned to their home country. On the ship was a well known dignitary who was afforded a welcoming committee when the ship docked with much fanfare and a brass band. This poor missionary couple were met by no one. Suddenly the husband felt very depressed about the situation when the wife had to remind him that his reward would be eternal and this dignitary already received his temporary reward.
ReplyDeleteFaith isn't about doing "Good Works" to gain a prize or an award. we do Good because we are called too, and we shouldn't be doing so to receive anything to feel better about ourselves. I do love this quote-"Doing good isn’t the way to gain salvation, and the text doesn’t specify whether what we reap will be now or in heaven, but we can be assured that there will be “a harvest of blessing” (6:9 nlt). It's such a good reminder, we are not doing good deeds to gain our entrance into heaven, we have a personal relationship with our Lord and if we allow him into our heart and live our every day for him having a PERSONAL relationship with him. Thank you for this deovtional
ReplyDeleteChrist was recognized not only for His "works", but also was ridiculed and reviled. We've got to take the bad with the good, and everything with a grain of salt! Easier said than done, I suppose.
ReplyDeleteIt is easy to get discouraged and lose hope. We need to maintain our perspective and see the big picture from God's point of view. We also need to remember that the time of discouragement will pass and there will be brighter days ahead.
ReplyDeleteThis to me feels like a silly devotional. The idea that walking with your grandkids is not enough? What a treat to be outdoors in God's world, with a friend, with a grandchild. What a blessing!
ReplyDelete