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, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. ~ Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)
"I don't like walking this direction," Jill said as wet blowing snow caked on her eyebrows. "We could keep walking the other direction, but that won't get us home," I replied. We laughed and decided to pay the price of walking a cold mile against the wind and snow back to our house.
The weather has recently given some hints of spring, but today is making Mr. Groundhog look like a genius (not the one that bit the NY Mayor). I heard he saw his shadow, which according to folklore indicates another six weeks of winter, right? Well, we left on an hour walk in moderate weather and returned looking like Mr. and Mrs. Frosty. What fun!! Interestingly our discussion en route was a bit about how He (God, not Mr. Groundhog) makes all things new. Nothing like a visual reminder that Jesus' crimson blood washes us white as snow!
Yesterday a friend's message was the first of the day to chime in on my Blackberry, "I was prompted to share this with you today, '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) It was a timely reminder, and a heart-felt verbal hug from my friend through the Word of God. It has been reverberating in my mind ever since.
There is much good to do, especially as the Church, the Bride of Christ. Crisis has always brought out the best in us, and crisis is clearly upon us. Today's Washington post headline was, "Swift, Steep Downturn Crosses Globe"[1], and the article contained this statement, "The sharpness of the global slowdown has alarmed economists, who see no obvious engine for recovery." Tough times are upon us friends, and it is time to do much good. Also, please don't let these headlines pass without considering that many are going to be offering answers that have nothing to do with God. In fact, the most attractive and destructive are likely to be subtle heresies. It is definitely time to bone-up on Scripture regarding end times so that we may remain and be found faithful.
Recently we have been amazed by the awakening of the Church to the preeminence and importance of our relationship with God. As long-held "securities" literally disappear, it seems that there is a fervor to nurture that which has potential to last. Peter explained it well to Christians under persecution in Rome when he said, "These [trials] have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." (1 Peter 1:7, NIV)
On our walk we simply wanted to get home. En route we did some good (exercise). Our journey of life is also a walk toward our eternal home, sometimes against the wind, or other forces that would oppose us. In the climate of the times it is essential that we not grow weary in doing good for others. Opportunities abound. The Holy Spirit will guide us to them and empower us for them, as we ask.
Prayer
Father, we have the privilege to live during an unprecedented period of history. Many are fearful and desperate for answers. We know that you have had the Word of hope, truth, and salvation for many generations before us and that your Word is good today also. Please make it come alive in us as never before. Speak to us, guide us, and empower us for the good that you want to be done. In Jesus' name. Amen.
[1] http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/17/AR2009021703101.html?nav=hcmodule
