Hang In There, Your Blessings Are Coming
Galatians 6:9 (NKJV): And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
I. INTRODUCTION
I would be stating the obvious to say that all of us are, right now, struggling through tough times. Although we smile and appear to be enjoying a good life, if truth be told, some of us are just a minute away from tossing in the towel.
Some of you have been dealing with situations and issues in your life for a long time. Everytime you think you see a breakthrough, something else occurs that hinders your progress or sets you back in one form or another. You may be struggling with issues in your marriage. You may be struggling with issues with your children or family members. You may be struggling with issues in your finances or issues on your job. You may even be struggling with issues in the church. And for some of you, the pressures of life seems to be weighing and wearing you down more and more. All of us, no matter how long we've been saved, are still dealing with those inner struggles that we, as humans, face each day: issues with our frustrations that lead to anger; bad habits that we can't seem to overcome; a bad/negative attitude about everything. Yet in spite of all that we go through, as believers we continue seeking and looking for the higher good in the struggles and what God's purpose is for our life.
I pray that today's text will be one that you will use to uplift your spirit and encourage you when you are at a point of despair or looking to let it all go. Read the Text
II. Remain Encouraged For Doing Good
v.9a-And let us not grow weary (be discouraged, lose motivation or enthusiasm) while doing good...
a. God is pleased with the good works of his people:
Philippians 2:13...for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Hebrews 13:16...do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
See v.1-2
b. We gain our endurance and strength from God the Spirit:
Colossians 1:10–11...walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11.strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;
Romans 8:18...that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
See ch.5, vs. 16,18,25
III. Expect Your Blessing
v.9b...for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
a. we shall reap-(speaks of hope and faith): God has His set time to bless you. See v.7-8
Proverbs 11:18 (NKJV)- The wicked man does deceptive work, But he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward.
b. lose heart- relax; loose; faint; give up. When you give up, it suggests that you have surrendered to your circumstance because you have lost your motivation to do good. It suggests that you may be having a lapse of faith. It suggests that you have given up on God. To keep from losing heart you must remain in the proper environment to maintain your spiritual integrity. The proper environment is in the presence of God. How? By the Holy Spirit.
IV. Closing
Galatians 6:10...as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
How do I recognize the opportunity to do good?
Matthew 25:34-40 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
1 Corinthians 15:58...my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.