And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.  —Galatians 6:9

I worked with an older kindly gentleman some years ago—a very intelligent and skilled doctor who had been so tainted by his experiences in medicine that he professed himself to be an atheist.  This topic came up on a fairly regular basis, especially whenever we were discussing a case of terminal illness.  One day, I decided to press him further.  “Why is it that you don’t believe in God, Dr. T?”  He explained, “If you had seen what I’ve seen in my many years of practicing medicine, you wouldn’t believe either.  So many sick people, many through no fault of their own, suffering illnesses that I could do nothing about.”  Needless to say, I knew better than to invalidate his perspective, but over time, I made it my business to try to help him rediscover his faith in God.  He was a very nice gentleman with a gift in medicine who had become so overwhelmed with discouragement that he’d lost all heart. 

It is understandable that we might begin to feel discouraged if we have been struggling with something for a long time and we do not see the breakthrough we’ve been praying for.  And when it happens over and over and over again, and the sovereignty of God totally escapes our understanding, any of us might begin to feel greatly discouraged.  And if we aren’t careful, we might lose all heart like Dr. T. 

There are many Dr. T’s out there who gave up under the weight of discouragement while doing good!  If that is you today, don’t give up!  Galatians 6:9 encourages us not to grow weary while doing good.  Sure, sometimes you won’t get the thanks you deserve for your good works.  But keep on doing good!  Sometimes, things won’t go the way you hope and pray they will go.  But keep on doing good!  As Galatians 6:10 goes on to insist,  “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men.”  Take advantage of every opportunity to do good to all men!  Yes, keep on doing good!   Don’t give up!

What better time than the fast-approaching holiday season to do good?  Consider Galatians 6:9-10 during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.  When discouragement tries to wear you down, remember this:  Don’t give up.  Keep doing good.  Don’t lose heart.  Do good to all men every chance you get! 

Amen!