Are you frustrated with Christian leaders twisting the Word of God and deceiving their sheep with sugarcoated sermons? I am! Do you long for your eternal home or miss loved ones who are already there? Are you asking Jesus to return now?
Recently, weariness overtook my heart. I was angry with government officials who supported late-term abortions… calling for the rights of women yet neglecting the rights of innocent babies whom they planned to murder. Intense sorrow filled my heart as I noted loved ones who were living out worldly pleasures and denying God’s existence. I’d lift up the lost during my daily prayer time but noticed my passion dwindle as doubt for their salvation infiltrated my supplications.
“ I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” Jeremiah 31:25 (NIV)
“But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.”
2 Thessalonians 3:13 (NKJV)
God understands how hard it is to live a pure life in this century. It’s not easy living in Sodom and Gomorrah but God birthed us into this time for a reason and purpose. He’s provided the necessary spiritual gifts and heavenly powers to endure and even prosper! Although there are seasons when we grow weary, God never grows weary.
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1:3-4 (NIV)
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:28-31 (NKJV)
An Oswald Chambers quote caught my attention the other day and I felt God’s gentle exhortation.
“Refuse to be swamped by the cares of this world.” ~ Oswald Chambers
Regretfully, I’d given the enemy a foothold by allowing the cares of this world to overtake me! The outcome was a decrease in fruitfulness for I was allowing discouragement to hinder my prayer life and affect my mood. Instead of praying fervently for the lost and sharing words of Christian hope, I was sitting in a stupor of frustration and self-pity.
“And the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” Mark 4:19 (NKJV)
I began to meditate on the sacrificial love of Jesus. From eternal light and fellowship with His Father, He willingly entered a dark world to save the lost! His zeal for all of us, although sinful and rebellious, plucked away my despondency and reminded me how important it is to maintain a spiritual fervor.
“For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” Hebrews 12:3 (NKJV)
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
Romans 12:11 (NIV)
Zeal is defined as dedication or enthusiasm for something. If you have zeal, you’re willing, energized, and motivated. Zeal implies an unflagging pursuit of an aim or a devotion to a cause.
I then read 2 Peter 3:9. This verse provided the gentle rebuke I needed to change my negative attitude. His timing is perfect and He is ever so patient. Jesus will not return for His bride until the time is right. It was selfish for me to say, “Lord, please return now!” because there are souls He has yet to save. His heart is for the lost world, which means He does not want anyone to perish, including the abortionist and Isis fighters who viciously persecute fellow believers.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)
I’ve moved from a state of discouragement and weariness back to a spiritual fervor for the lost. I’m passionately praying for non-believers, even though my prayers are sometimes but one or two words. I see them in my neighborhood, restaurants, grocery stores, and highways. Do not neglect your prayer closet! Prayer accomplishes much in the heavenly realm.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 (NIV)
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)
The fiery arrows sent by the enemy are now a thing of the past, although I know we are all under a constant attack. In the name of Jesus, I rebuked his attempt to sidetrack me. This prowling lion understands the mighty power of prayer and does his best to hinder our petitions to God. Therefore, we must stand firm in our resolution to fight the fight and run the race with our eyes staunchly set upon eternity.
If you have grown weary, take it as a warning to put on your spiritual armor! We are commanded to stand firm, never to fall back! Remember, “You can do all this through Him who gives you strength.” (Phil 4:13)
With God, NOTHING is impossible. The worst crimes against humanity can be forgiven. Press on and continue serving the Lord as He will surely lift you up! May His everlasting hope spur you on to the next battle. Find peace in knowing He has everything under control. He sees all, knows all, and nothing surprises Him. His love is boundless. His power to ease your weariness and give you rest is just a prayer away.
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26 (NKJV)
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV)