Let us not grow weary…even when we’re tired
There’s a world of people out there who love to see Christians fail. In any way…on any day. They’re lying in wait for any stumble, misstep, or sin. You’ll notice a negative bias toward Christian failures in the news reports that just isn’t there for similar stories of a more secular nature. And that’s OK, in a way…because I’d rather have Christian held to a higher standard. After all, we answer to a higher authority than any earthly organization. That’s why I quote the Apostle Paul and say “let us not grow weary” even when we’re tired of it all.
During my teen years from 13 to almost 18, some of my summers in Kansas were spent hauling hay. Literally from first thing in the morning…and often until midnight…I’d be in a hot Kansas field bucking bales up on to hay trucks. Now, keep in mind, I was basically a city boy all during the nine months of school. It wasn’t like I was working on a farm year ’round and staying in shape for that kind of work. Quite the opposite. During the school year I’d be working on physically challenging chores like vocal practice for choir. Or helping to decide which band to book for the prom. Maybe I’d have to actually help move sets around for the play I was in. You know…tough stuff. Right. So…
“Let us not grow weary” had a special meaning for me during the summer.
I remember one particularly hot day, in a field of about 1200 bales of alfalfa, saying a prayer under my breath. “Lord, help me not to tire out in front of these country boys.” You see, the guys I worked with were mostly all from Kansas farms where they lived year ’round. They were used to the work. I’m sure it was still hard work for them too, especially as I think back on it now. But they moved bales of hay around even during the winter to feed the livestock. Most of them weren’t choir boys, or drama class actors, or senior class officers. Just hard workin’ Kansas boys.
OK, back to that alfalfa field. In case you’re not familiar with bales of alfalfa hay…they’re extremely scruffy. They’ll wear out the fronts of jeans in a matter of days. And they’ll scratch your forearms till they look like you had a run-in with a cat. Now, imagine riding a hay truck (with no air conditioning) up to the gate of a field of 1200 of those demon bales. And imagine doing that on a 100 degree day with no shade trees…working for a beer-guzzling wild man who often forgot to bring the water tanks.
Well, that’s where I was that day when I whispered that prayer under my breath. And guess what?! God, as He always does, answered my prayer. He gave me strength, stamina, courage, and determination. Day after day. Week after week. Summer after summer.
With God, all things are possible.
It was many years later I discovered I was born with a deformed heart. Good thing I didn’t know that when I was a teenager, or I might have not had enough faith to even pray for strength. I might not have believed God could get me through those long, hot days with a less than perfect heart. Odd how that works, isn’t it.
That’s why it’s important for you to remember to lean on the Lord for your strength. Not yourself. And let us not grow weary while doing good. Because the world is full of evil people who’d love to see us give up. Will you be able to keep going on your own? Or will you at least whisper a prayer to God for help?
If you faint or fall, don’t give up.
For the source of strength, just look up.
When you let Him, God helps you up.
Don’t give up, just look up, and stay up.
Stay tuned,
P.S. Share the rhymes and reasons with your friends and family. And let’s stay connected. Like this…
Join my Rhyme and Reason Club
Discover my ebooks on Amazon.com or Smashwords
Subscribe to my Podcast on iTunes – OR Google Play
Connect with me on LinkedIn
Circle me on Google +
Follow me on Twitter
Watch my videos on YouTube
Find me on Facebook
Or use the social media links below