We’re Almost There
Today’s Passage Galatians 4 – 6
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16)
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6:9)
As a child I was very impatient. I would tire of things very easily. Sometimes my family would pack up the car and travel up to Cornwall, New York to visit my Aunt Francis. The ride was really only a little over two hours, but for me it seemed like it took forever to get there. My mom and dad would always try to encourage me by saying, “we’re almost there”. As I grew, some of that impatience stayed with me. I get bored easily. I am always looking for something new to do, and often have a difficult time simply finishing some of the projects that I have started. Paul encourages this church in Galatia to keep going also. When the church was new, they were doing great; but somewhere along the line they became influenced by those who attempted to put them back under the law again. Paul reminds them in this letter that they were no longer to live according to the traditions and ceremonies of the law; but instead were to live by faith, following the leadership of the indwelling Holy Ghost of God. He encourages them to not be weary in well doing, meaning that they were not to get tired of doing right. They were on the right path, and they needed to stay on it.
Sometimes it is not easy to live a life of faith, especially in this world that we live in. The world around us does not understand that we who belong to Christ have a Person in us and with us Who desires to guide us and teach us to walk in a way that glorifies God, and points others to Christ. This life of faith is an abundant, fruitful, and fulfilling life; but it oftentimes goes against what our flesh wants to do. I must confess there have been many times when I have yielded to the desires of my “old man” rather than choosing to “walk in the Spirit”. God has always managed to get me back on track, but I have always had the feeling of regret when I have yielded to my will instead of God’s.
So my advice to you is to keep going, we’re almost there. Don’t be weary in well doing. Don’t give up trusting the direction of your life to the will of God. Don’t be weary in loving people. Don’t be weary in shining the light of the Lord to the world around you. Don’t be weary in serving in your local church. Stay with it! Don’t quit! Keep going! Keep running the race until you have reached the finish line. We will all (Christians) be out of here soon, and I do not think that we will be weary when we get to Heaven.
Posted in Devotions, Thoughts From Galatians by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.
It’s a wonderful thought that it won’t be tiresome or difficult to stay on the righteous path of God when we are in Heaven, close to Him. Sometimes the christian path seems one riddled with obstacles, temptations to avoid, trials to overcome.There are hills and heights when spirituality comes simply, the effort of the climb wonderfully rewarded with a closeness to God. Yet, suddenly, you may find yourself rolling down that hill back to the valley of indecision, of carnality and reliance on yourself. In the darkness, it’s hard to see God, especially as temptations and trials afflict. It’s easy to forget that God is in and around us, He permeates every element and particle of this world and life. Just remember that even down in the valley God is watching us and has us in His care. Jesus walks with us through it all.He is using these problems and aspects of this life to mold us and make us stronger,more loving,more like Him. He is helping us grow when He allows challenges in our lives. With each problem surmounted, we receive tools designed to help us in our climb up the christian path to be with God. I pray that I will rely on God to be in charge of the map of my life!