Galatians 6:9 (ESV) And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Weary is an expression of the flesh. The Spirt never gets tired, the flesh does. The warning in the verse 6:8 is not to sow from the flesh. We are both flesh and spirit and the work we do in the spirit is felt in the flesh. If feels good to do God’s will, to be used of God. The danger is in our trying to recreate those moments because it feels good. That is when we stop seeking His will and start looking to feel good again.

Getting tired of doing good is the flesh saying, “I am not being satisfied.”

Those who are called and gifted with the vocations upon which our churches grow and thrive are in clear danger of burnout and need the occasional respite. The term sabbatical is directly related to the Sabbath. How the world defines the terms of a sabbatical do not apply here. Each of our vocational workers need to be aware of those needs.

What of us layman? When do we need a break?

The only answer I have for any of us is found in our relationship with our Lord. The motivations of the heart must be to love the Lord and not to seek satisfaction. Growth in the Lord and a closer personal relationship will determine what the Lord can do thru us and with us.

Matthew 11:30 (ESV) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Obedience of faith should never feel like we are being driven like a beast of burden. Saul’s kicking of the goads occurred because he was persecuting Jesus rather than obeying Him. Getting tired in service for the layman might be that the flesh has taken over the reins.

Philippians 4:13 (ESV) I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Have you ever watched a tag team wrestling match? The opponent is winning and the weakened warrior reaches out and taps out, giving his partner the right to come in and take over the battle.

Yesterday as I left off with words of encouragement to lean on the Lord as our source of strength, I did not give you an example of how to do that. While the idea of the tag team match is visual in nature it is not practical in application when we are getting beat up by the enemy.

Several months after my first wife’s death I came down with a serious blood infection. Germs had taken up residency in my blood and were literally feeding off me. I was being beaten up badly. In my weakened state, feverish, I began to hallucinate. Demons began to hound me. Were they real? What does it matter if we feel they are real? So I did the one thing I knew to do. I tapped out.

“I praise you O Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord. In you do I trust. Jesus Christ is my Lord and savior, hallowed be Thy name.”

The demons, real or imagined fled from my presence. Another way to fight back in the spirit when you feel weak is to read scriptures that declare the goodness of the Lord. Read words that encourage you. You are not alone. You belong to the Lord, declare it aloud.

Our strength is our relationship with the Lord. Maintain that relationship. Keep in touch with Him through His Word and in fellowship.

Hebrews 13:5 (ESV) Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

We should not allow our affections to wander away from our Lord.