When You Get Discouraged, Remember Those Who Went Ahead of You
OPENING PRAYER:
Dear Jesus, help me understand how you are working even when I feel discouraged. Amen.
“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:3
REFLECT:
In this present life we love to see results. Our culture is based on results and most of us are driven that way. We want to see fruit. We want to know we’re making a difference. That’s not a bad thing, although it causes us to grow tired and weary of sowing into the Kingdom of God by investing in people.
Often, when we walk alongside someone, we won’t see fruit from our investment. It just doesn’t happen like that. It may be years before the seed we planted comes to fruition. Sometimes it’s instant but more than often it’s not. When feeling weary wondering if you’ve made a difference, remember all of the patriarchs of faith found in Hebrews 11. Remember all the suffering they endured time and time again in order to be obedient to God. Remember Jesus who suffered at the hands of sinners and he still died for them.
APPLY:
The investment you make to walk alongside someone matters. It matters that you take time to care for them and listen to them. It matters that you take time to pour into them by guiding them in faith. It may feel like there’s no fruit, but each time you choose to water the seed you’ve planted, it’s growing on the inside.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, help me to be filled with joy by walking alongside others. Amen.
CONTINUED READING:
Hebrews 11
WORSHIP: