Sowing & Reaping 2, Galatians 6:9

The law of sowing and reaping is a very powerful law.  Last time we talked about the seeds sown and the corresponding harvest.  Let’s talk about Paul’s words in verse 9 of Galatians 6; “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. “ 
There are three individuals in the Bible that you and I are very familiar with who experienced the weary in well doing.  They provide great examples for us.  Think about them with me for a few moments.

Moses:  He was called by God to do a very good work, the leading of Israel out of bondage in Egypt and into the promise land.  It was a tremendously challenging task.  Moses became weary in his well doing.  At one point his father in law visited him and encouraged him to teach some of the people to carry some of the load.  That worked well for Moses.  However there reached a point where the weariness was too great for Moses.  The people needed water and God instructed Moses to speak to the rock that was near by and there would be sufficient water for them all to drink.  Moses was so weary and frustrated that he did not speak to the rock but he struck it with his rod.  Numbers 20:6-12  Moses let his weariness get the best of him and he lost the privilege and honor of leading Israel into the promise land. Read about it in Deuteronomy 32:48-52.  He could see the promise land from a distance but he could not enter it because he let his weariness take control of him.

Elijah:  He was a great prophet of God.  God did great things through him.  We can read about some of them in I Kings 17 & 18.  We read about the weariness setting in I Kings 18:22  “Then Elijah said to them, "I am the only one of the Lord's prophets left, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets.”   I Kings 19:10,  “He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."    Elijah did not let his weariness overtake him.  Instead he threw himself into the hands of God. He gave up yes but he gave up into the hands of God.  In I kings 19:1-5 we read about him falling down under a tree and just crying out to God to take his life.  He didn’t do something stupid like Moses.  We find God’s answer in I Kings 19:5-9  He was fed by an angel and given some much needed rest.  Elijah went in the strength of that nourishment and rest for 40 days and 40 nights.  He continued his great work under the power of the Lord and saw great things taking place. Let’s be like Elijah and when we become weary throw yourself into the hands of God. 
Jesus:  Our third example is Jesus.  He was doing good to all, healing the sick, casting out demons, teaching the multitudes.  He became weary.  But amazingly his weariness really didn’t set in until it came time for Him to go to the cross.  He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, Father if it be possible let this cup pass from me, yet no as I will, but as you will. Read about this in Matthew 26:36-42.  He overcame his weariness and went all the way to the cross.  We are apart of the great harvest that has come from His life, death, and resurrection.
There are many reasons that we become weary.  Not seeing any observable results in one.  The lethargy of others can cause the faithful to become weary and discouraged as well.  The criticism of others also can bring about weariness.  Lastly let talk about how to fight this weariness.  We must focus on our eternal reward which we will reap if we keep on sowing good work.  We need to maintain focus on the Lord and doing His will.  We must focus on the example of Jesus who endured in the face of great hardship “for the joy that was set before him.”   Don’t give up victory may be just around the corner!  How many times do we give up just as God is about to reveal His blessings to us. We quit and leave the harvest for the Lord, because we get tired, both physically, and often spiritually. 
Let the words of the prophet Isaiah encourage us today.  Isaiah 40:30-31 “0 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;  31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”