Galatians 6:9-10: Part 2 (Growing Weary)

Yesterday we explored the background of Galatians 6:9-10:

6:9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
6:10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. (NASB)

Today we will look more closely at the concept of growing weary.

1. The Meaning of “Growing Weary”

• Two similar words appear in 6:9 that refer to “fatigue and exhaustion.”

• “Losing Heart” means "to lose interest." It is easy to get excited about a ministry opportunity or to view ministry through a romantic lens, but quite another thing to roll up your sleeves and do the actual back-breaking work, day by day and week by week.

• “Growing Weary” means to "relax one’s efforts." There is a great difference between running a sprint and running a marathon!

2. The Sources of Weariness

• Physical Weariness: The old joke is that those who are involved in ministry only work one day a week, but ministry is much more than a 40 hour a week job. You can wear yourself out if you do not allow yourself periods of rest. Even Jesus got away from the crowds from time to time! (cf. Matt. 14:13; Mark 1:35; Luke 4:42)

• Spiritual Weariness: People’s spiritual progress and church growth usually do not occur on a minister’s timetable of expectation. From 1793-1800, William Carey did not see one soul saved as a missionary in India. He wrote the following words to his sisters: “I feel as a farmer does about his crop: sometimes I think the seed is springing, and thus I hope; a little blasts all, and my hopes are gone like a cloud. They were only weeds which appeared; or if a little corn sprung up, it quickly dies, being either chocked with weeds, or parched up by the sun of persecution.”

• Spiritual Warfare: Often spiritual warfare and weariness go hand in hand. After I returned from Ecuador on Saturday, October 27, Nueva Vida experienced spiritual warfare the very next day.

If you find yourself growing weary, remember that only Jesus can cure your weariness: Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest (Matt. 11:28). 

Tomorrow, we will explore the prerequisite for a successful spiritual harvest.