2 Thessalonians 3: 13

As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.

I think of this often, especially in times like these, but I was reminded of a good ministry friend of mine who told me (probably 10 years ago) that his primary focus as he grows older is to make sure he finishes well. He said that over the years, he had seen a number of people who grew frustrated with their lives and frustration led to unproductive lives.

“Almost every one of you can think of something you were enthusiastic about recently, but now the joy is faded. Your first day of vacation on the coast the sunset was breathtaking and made you so happy you could sing. But by the end of your stay, you hardly noticed it anymore. Vacationers get tired of sunsets, millionaires get tired of money, kids get tired of toys, and Christians get tired of doing good. At first, the excitement of teaching that Sunday School class was strong, but now you have grown weary of well-doing. The thrill is gone. At first, you felt clean and strong in the Holy Spirit as you drove the van, led the small group, visited the newcomers, started reading the Bible, worked in the emergency shelter . . . but now you have grown weary in well-doing. The inner power and joy have seeped away. It’s a chore. You’ve lost heart.” – John Piper

What about my friend, you might ask? His life has changed and he serves in a different role than he would have expected a decade ago, but I would say, so far so good.

Paul delivered the same message to the Thessalonians and challenges us to speak the truth in love to our brothers who may grow weary. What about you? Are you tired? Do you know someone who is?

Here’s one more encouraging verse –

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9).”