“Do not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
There’s something deeply comforting about the imagery of a harvest. It reminds us that life unfolds in seasons. Farmers know the rhythm well: sow, tend, wait, and reap. They understand that the time between planting and harvesting is filled with unseen growth, requiring patience and faith.
As followers of Christ, we’re called to live in a similar rhythm. Our “sowing” might look like small acts of kindness, investing in relationships, or staying faithful in a job that feels thankless. It might be the quiet prayers whispered for a loved one, the persistent effort to raise children well, or the sacrificial giving to support a ministry. Whatever form your good work takes, it’s easy to grow weary when you don’t see immediate results.
But Galatians 6:9 offers a beautiful reminder: what we do matters. God sees every seed we plant, even the ones hidden beneath the soil of life’s challenges. He promises that, in His perfect timing, we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up.
The Tension of Waiting
Waiting for a harvest can be one of the hardest parts of life. It’s during this time that doubts creep in:
- Is what I’m doing making any difference?
- Will this effort ever bear fruit?
- Should I just quit?
The enemy loves to use these moments to discourage us, whispering lies that make us want to throw in the towel. But scripture reminds us to take heart. Just as the seeds we plant in the ground need time to germinate and grow, the seeds of our faithfulness need time to bear fruit.
Trusting God with the Timing
The key phrase in this verse is “at the proper time.” The harvest isn’t random or haphazard; it’s intentional and perfectly aligned with God’s plans. We might not understand the delays or the detours, but we can trust the One who holds the seasons in His hands.
Isaiah 55:10-11 puts it beautifully:
“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
Your labor is never in vain when it’s done for the Lord.
How to Keep Going When You Feel Weary
If you’re in a season of weariness, wondering if your efforts are worth it, here are a few practical ways to stay the course:
- Anchor Yourself in Prayer: When you feel like giving up, take your weariness to God. Ask Him to renew your strength and remind you of His promises. “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
- Celebrate Small Wins: Sometimes, we overlook the small signs of growth along the way. Take time to recognize and celebrate the little victories—they’re glimpses of the harvest to come.
- Surround Yourself with Encouragers: Lean into a community of people who will cheer you on and remind you of your purpose. Accountability and encouragement go a long way in helping us persevere.
- Revisit God’s Faithfulness: Look back at how God has shown up in your life before. Remembering His past faithfulness can strengthen your trust in His future provision.
The Harvest Will Come
God’s promise in Galatians 6:9 isn’t just a feel-good sentiment—it’s a truth to stand on. Your faithfulness, even in the small and unseen moments, is building something eternal. One day, you’ll look back and see how God used every act of obedience to bring about a harvest far greater than you could have imagined.
So, friend, don’t grow weary. Keep planting. Keep praying. Keep believing. The harvest is coming.
Reflection Questions:
- What “seeds” are you planting in this season of your life?
- How can you trust God with the waiting process?
- Who might need encouragement to keep going in their good work today?
If this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. We’re all in this together, sowing and growing for God’s glory.