Let us not become weary in doing good. Galatians 6:9
A woman I know planned an event at a local park and invited all the neighborhood children to participate. She was excited about the opportunity to share her faith with her neighbors.
She recruited her three grandchildren and two high school students to help her, gave the assignments, planned a number of games and other activities, prepared food, prepared a Bible story about Jesus to present to the children, and waited for them to gather.
Not a single child showed up the first day. Or the second day. Or the third day. Yet, each day my friend went through that day’s activities with her grandchildren and helpers.
On the fourth day, she noticed a family picnicking nearby and invited the children to join in the games. One little girl came, entered into the fun, ate with them, and listened to the story about Jesus. Perhaps years from now she’ll remember. Who knows what the outcome will be? God, through the book of Galatians, encourages 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. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people” (6:9–10).
Don’t worry about numbers or other visible measures of success. Our job is to be faithful to what He wants us to do and then leave the harvest to Him. God determines the outcomes.
What best-laid plans of yours have gone wrong? How can you learn to trust God with the outcome despite disappointment?
God, I’m grateful that You’re the one in charge of the results. You’re the one at work. Help me to do what You ask no matter what.
INSIGHT
The Greek word sarx is used eighteen times in Galatians and is variously translated depending on the context. In Galatians, the word first appears in 1:16, where it’s translated “human being” (niv) or “anyone” (esv). These words are a combination of the words “flesh and blood” found in the King James Version and refer to the physical constituents of our humanity. On the other hand, the final occurrence of sarx in Galatians 6 is translated “flesh” (vv. 8, 12, 13). This term refers to mankind’s internal human nature apart from the influence of God and His Word. In this regard, Galatians 5:16–21 provides the reader with a fitting commentary on Galatians 6:8.