by Tonja Taylor
9 And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.--Galatians 6:9, AMPC
Almost all of us true Believers in Christ have felt discouragement; thoughts of "Why bother? What you're doing is not making any difference. You're just wasting your time and efforts," etc.
I’m sure even the LORD Jesus felt frustration, and was tempted to give up (Luke 9:41, John 14:9), but of course He did not, and overcame, and continued to do the right thing, using His gifts to preach and teach the Word and deliver and heal and restore—even to and through the cross, to pay for all the ways every other human could not overcome! Hallelujah, and THANK YOU, KING JESUS!!
Those are lies from the enemy--and proof that the opposite is happening. The LORD is using your gifts and efforts to expand His Kingdom!
He showed me this truth this morning, as I was gazing at the Word, meditating it (thinking about it, listening for His insight, speaking it): Not only does Galatians 6:9 mean that we are to do good by serving physically; giving money; sharing possessions; praying for others; attending Bible-based church; reading the Word of God daily; and worshiping Christ Jesus, but using our spiritual and natural gifts to bring glory to the LORD!
A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.--Proverbs 18:16, AMPC
Many times, we have been raised with a performance/work mentality, and have not been able to just enjoy the LORD expressing Himself through the creative and other gifts and talents He gives us.
I've had to learn to rest, and partner with the LORD to bring Him joy as He creates with me. (As one minister stated, "We're the Doers; the Holy Spirit is the Helper." Indeed, that's what the Word calls Him.
But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.--John 14:26, AMPC
Another way we can be even more effective in our efforts is to ask the LORD to reveal to us anything that's been diluting and/or polluting our gifts and talents. When the LORD reveals something--usually something we need to repent of, even behaviors and thoughts and plans that may not be wicked, but have been a hindrance to Him flowing through us as fully as He wants; like a pipe that's clogged with roots or other debris, causing the water to be restricted. He will be faithful to do so, and His gentle, loving Spirit will help us to repent and turn from those things.
So whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences] will [then himself] be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work.--2 Tim. 2:21, AMPC
It may take a few times to break us completely free, but He is very patient, and knows our hearts are to please Him. His mercy keeps us, praise Him!
21 But this I recall and therefore have I hope and expectation: 22 It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not.23 They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.--Lamentations 3:21-23, AMPC
So, keep on doing good! It is so worth it, and the LORD promises to reward us. He will show us what to do, help us to do it, then reward us for using our gifts and otherwise doing good. He is so awesomely gracius to us, and He is the Promise Keeper, Hallelujah!
Behold, I am coming soon, and I shall bring My wages and rewards with Me, to repay and render to each one just what his own actions and his own work merit.---Revelation 22:12, AMPC
Tonja K. Taylor lives to exalt God. She and her husband of almost 18 years serve Him in many ways, including through the YouTube channel "River Rain Creative," and more. Tonja teaches kids online, and writes. The Adventures of Princess Pearl, P.O.W.E.R.* Girl, Book V is in the works!
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