“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

Even followers of Jesus Christ are not immune to discouragement. We strive to do the will of God and to please Him. But it can be discouraging when we don’t see the results that we expected. Regardless of what we think or feel, we should never give up though.

We have become a fast food, instant messaging, fast and furious society. And, even as believers, we can get caught up in discouragement — especially when we are not getting results while serving God. But we must remember, “He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.” Acts 1:7. God’s timing is not the same as ours. His timing is perfect. Ours is flawed, rooted in our sinful flesh, desires, and goals.

My precious husband has an outreach ministry. There are times when he has reached out and reached out and reached out with no results. At least no results that we can see. This can go on for months and you can imagine how disheartening that can be.

But God moves on someone’s heart every time he begins to get discouraged. Inevitably, someone reaches out to him and says, “Thank you for never giving up on me.” Or they say, “I thank God for you.” We recently got a call from a young man who said, “I wanted you to know that I just became a follower of Jesus Christ.” Then he said, “Oh, by the way, I still have that bible you gave me 10 years ago.” Those are the kinds of messages that revive your spirit and drive. They also confirm that you are doing the will of God. Because of the way God moves in those instances, my husband never gives up.

Most of us have had “projects” that God asks of us that don’t seem to bring about the results that we anticipated. Or it doesn’t bring them in the time frame that we thought it would happen. It can be discouraging.

But there are a number of encouraging verses in scripture to help us face discouragement. “And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.” 2 Thessalonians 3:13; “We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized.” Hebrews 6:11; “But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7; “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” Hebrews 10:35-36,

Notice that some of the verses not only say that we should persevere, but that we will receive our reward. And all that is promised through that perseverance. Perseverance brings about results. We should never give up.

Sometimes we get impatient and even offer up “fleece”. We say things like, “If this happens Lord, then I will know that you want me to give up.” Or, “If this happens Lord, then I will know that I should continue.” I believe that there is only one instance of anyone offering up fleece to determine God’s will. I am not saying that we shouldn’t do this, especially if led by the Holy Spirit. But there are a lot more verses about perseverance and waiting on the Lord. Instead of offering up fleece (UNLESS led by the Holy Spirit), perhaps we should read the word of God, pray, and quietly listen for His voice. And, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6.

Finally, if we are doing God’s will, the end goal is that He would be glorified and that others would then seek Him. Isn’t that worth waiting a while?

I pray that we would persevere in whatever God calls us to. I pray that, until He says it is time, we would never give up doing what He has asked or called us to. And I pray that we would trust Him to lead us and that we would not become discouraged. I also pray that we would encourage one another (“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11) so that none of us become so discouraged that we stop doing the will of God. Help us to never give up.

If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, please go to our Life Preserver Page (https://forgiven-n-loved.com/life-preserver/). Please pray this prayer. We have a loving Heavenly Father who desires a relationship with you. He even sent His Son to pay the penalty for your sins. Please pray and when you do reach out to me at admin@Forgiven-N-Loved.com and let me know. I’d love to be in prayer for you.

Luv Ya!