Day 5: When You Want To Give Up

“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)

Earlier this year, our family started a new project – growing our own garden. My husband, Matt, particularly wanted to grow tomatoes, while I was a tad skeptical of the endeavor. I had always heard that tomatoes were difficult to grow in our state, with all the bugs, heat, and relentless squirrels! But Matt was determined. One cool spring evening, with the children and me watching eagerly over his shoulder, Matt planted the tiny seedlings into a row of pots on our windowsill.

Day by day, he nurtured these seeds. Soon enough, tiny shoots emerged, and Matt transferred them to the great outdoors. Tirelessly he weeded and watered them, never giving up on the hope of a harvest. I would watch him from the kitchen window, my skepticism fading as the plants grew and flourished.

Then, just a few weeks ago, we started to see fruit. FRUIT! Tiny green bulbs were appearing around every stem! I’ll never forget how delightful it was to see an actual tomato growing from a plant that had once been a seed the size of a pencil tip. All of Matt’s hard work has paid off, and now we’re harvesting juicy, ripe tomatoes from our own backyard. Each bite is a sweet testament to the miracle of growth, the reward of patience, and the beauty of harvest.

This experience beautifully parallels our journey with Jesus. Every time we make an effort to meet God in prayer and Bible reading, we nurture the seeds of faith in our hearts. At times, we may wonder if our daily rituals are making a difference. We might not see immediate results, and there can be a temptation to feel disheartened. Maybe you are just as skeptical as I was when Matt first started to grow his tomatoes. Maybe you find yourself in a season of sowing that feels difficult and endless. You might look around and see others enjoying their harvest while you’re still tilling your soil, tending your crop, and waiting for the first signs of growth.

Be encouraged today, friend! Galatians 6:9 reassures us: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Your harvest will come in God’s perfect timing. Our task in the meantime is to sow faithfully, water our souls with God’s Word, and tend to our faith with patience. Don’t give up nurturing your relationship with Jesus. In time you will enjoy the bountiful harvest of righteousness that God has promised to those who follow him faithfully.

Application:

Commit today to spend regular quiet time with God, regardless of how challenging it may feel at times. Set aside a specific time and place each day for Bible reading and prayer. Remember, spiritual growth, like a garden, takes time to mature. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t see immediate results. Every moment you spend in God’s word is a seed planted in your spiritual journey. Stay the course, and in time, you’ll reap a bountiful harvest!