Persevering When the Path Is Difficult

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Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. -- Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

I’ve had moments in ministry when quitting would have been much easier than continuing. One of those came after Hurricane Mitch devastated Honduras. A disagreement over where we should direct our mission efforts left me discouraged, and I stepped away from the organization I’d served. God’s call to help the people of Honduras hadn’t changed, so neither did my decision to help them rebuild.

As I look back, the homes we built for those who lost everything in the community we helped taught me about perseverance as I kept going. God reminded me of the truth found in Galatians 6:9:

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9, NIV)

Perseverance isn’t staying where we don’t face challenges or in places where everyone agrees with us. Sometimes it’s continuing God’s work even when people misunderstand us or question the path God has placed before us.

What is God calling you to do that feels uncomfortable? Perhaps he’s asking you to forgive someone, serve in a new ministry, give, or remain faithful in a season that feels long and discouraging. Though the reason might not always be obvious to us or others, God promises that faithfulness always yields a reward. The harvest comes in His timing, not ours.

So don’t grow weary in doing good. Keep serving. Keep loving. And keep trusting. The seeds you plant today may not bear fruit, but God sees every act of obedience and will use it for His glory.

Questions for Reflection:

1. What is God calling you to do that feels uncomfortable?

2. How should you best prepare to follow through on this uncomfortable thing that God has asked you to do?

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