Tired

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2 Thessalonians 3:13 NIV And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.:

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a bad patient. Not so much from complaining but from refusing to go to the doctor or follow the directions for rest. Therefore, I usually go from a cold to sinus infection to bronchitis to pneumonia. Even with pneumonia, I’ve been known to deny it and keep going. 

Much of this always keep going, no matter what, is because of my personality. Stubborn, determined, tenacious, and downright ornery are all appropriate descriptors used by others for me in the past. But this personality (and LOTS of prayer) got me through 11 years of college and graduate school without ever being the sharpest pencil in the drawer. I simply refused to give up to failing or giving in to not graduating.

Maybe that’s why I identify so closely with this verse from 2 Thessalonians…

In the verses immediately preceding this verse, Paul admonished the Christians in Thessalonica to stay faithful with the work God gave them to do – to not give up to defeat nor give in to distraction. He encouraged them not just to be busy but to actually accomplish the task of good works which God prepared in advance for [them] to do (Ephesians 2:10). 

And this verse applies to me and my day, today.

I know all too well about the getting tired of doing something right – be it dishes or deliveries, calling out in prayer or calculating yet another row of data or bills, writing or washing, taking another pill or taking off another dream from a long-held list. Yet in the midst of all that, I know this – Winston Churchill and Paul had it right. We must “never, never, never give up” of doing what is right. The right usually isn’t easy or cheap, but it never demands the hidden costs of guilt, shame, and regret. And those costs are more than I want to pay and last far longer than I ever imagined. Trust me, no one can afford the prices of the question of “why did I choose that?” when it comes to collect in the middle of the night for years on end and leave me sleepless and exhausted in its wake.

So, now, even though I’ve beyond tired and washed out in the wasteland of weary, let me find strength from Jesus and keep on putting one foot in front of the other on the narrow path to life by choosing to do what is right…

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him Who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3

Dear Father God,

Thank You that You give strength to do what is right and keep doing it. Thank You that Your power doesn’t run out or away. Please help me choose Your will and way in the big and small today and tomorrow.

In the strong Name of Jesus,

Amen.

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Written by and copyrighted to Beth Madison, Ph.D., 2022.