Let us not grow weary

 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.  2 Thessalonians 3:13

Paul was speaking a challenge to his brothers and sisters in Christ to keep their chins up and their hearts encouraged as they continued to serve their Lord. He understood from personal experience that walking faithfully as a follower of Jesus can and will become tiring and weary at times. God's word is very clear that a faithful follower of Christ will face many difficulties on life's path. Our Lord Jesus had explained, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Paul himself had tasted the bitterness of pain and tribulation in the service to Christ. He had been stoned and left for dead for preaching the gospel, but he and Barnabas continued to proclaim God's word. Then Paul returned to the same city of his stoning "strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, 'We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God'"(Acts 14:22). Paul practiced what he preached. He would not give up and challenged us to do the same.

Paul's focus was not on his difficulties, but on those whom he was ministering. He did not take the time to feel sorry for himself as this was the cost of serving Christ. Was this not the same pattern that Christ Jesus had set before us? We should rejoice that our Lord did not grow weary in well doing as our salvation and eternity was secured through His faithfulness. Let us be thankful for those who persevered before us so that we may hear the glorious gospel. Let us also be faithful and not grow weary as there is much work to be done and remember more words from Paul, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;” (2 Cor 4:17). ---To God be the glory!