31 Days :: When You Feel Like Giving Up

Last night, I sat in the floor with a big basket of laundry beside me. Grant lay on the couch watching a football game. As I folded, I thought of today's blog.

Curious to know, I asked Grant a question. Knowing it was barely 50/50 that I would get an encouraging answer, I put myself out there... "Grant, what are a couple of things you can think of that you've learned from mommy and daddy."

His gaze fixed on the TV. "What do you mean? Like throwing a football?"

"No. Like out of the Bible. Or a life lesson that we've taught you in a discipline moment. Or how a Jesus story might help you learn about your own life."

"I don't know."

"Oh come on. I bet you can think of something."

"Nothing really."

"What? Nothing?! Grant."

He gave a bit of a grin, "Mom, I just can't think of anything right now."

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galations 6:9

I could have really let this discourage me. Nothing? Really??

I realize that my timing could not have been worse. And maybe I asked too broad a question. But his answer made me think.

What if that's all I ever got from him? Nothing. What if I toil and try and pour and teach and pray and shepherd and try and teach some more and this is still the answer I get. Nothing. What if it appears he is learning nothing from me. What then?

Then Galations 6:9. That's what.

DO NOT GROW WEARY. DO NOT GROW WEAK.

The term to give up translates to the Greek word eklyō. Look at its definition...
to weaken, relax, exhaust; to have one's strength relaxed, to be enfeebled through exhaustion, to grow weak, grow weary, be tired out.

Oh parent. Don't we tire out? Aren't we sometimes feeble with exhaustion? Do you ever feel as if you say the same thing, pray the same prayer, teach the same verse again and again?

We must remember...harvest takes time.

Whatever one sows, that will he also reap. Galations 6:7b

We will see fruit. Keep at it. Continue to pray.

I'm sure there were days that my grandmother wanted to stop praying for me. I had a span of several unfruitful, sinful years. But she never relaxed her strength. Her faith was not shaken by my disregard for church. My apathy for Christ. She believed her harvest would come.

Are you growing weary? Be encouraged. Your prayers are heard. And are being answered.

In due season you will reap. Keep at it mom and dad.

Click here to read 31 Days in the Parenting Handbook from the beginning.