We normally produce an edition of Proclaimer this time of year, but in reality, this is a special edition. The season of life and ministry in which we have been living could be characterized by various adjectives. For simplicity, I will call this a unique season—one that warrants a special edition. In the pages that follow, you will read the real-life stories of your brothers and sisters in Christ, your neighbors, your fellow ministers and servants of the Gospel. The SBC of Virginia is a coalition of churches that seeks to stand together and serve cooperatively in allegiance to Christ and His Word. Through Christ and his people, we are not alone!
By way of introduction to this special edition that highlights some of your “Not Alone Stories” (more can be found online at www.sbcv.org/NotAlone), I want to share encouragement from the Scriptures:
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
One of the dangers and outcomes of this unique season is weariness. God’s Word gives us encouragement not to quit when we grow weary of doing good (“well-doing” in the KJV).
Don’t quit when weary because our service is expected. “And let us not grow weary of doing good…” We are not commanded in this verse to do good; it is assumed. We are commanded not to stop doing good. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Don’t quit when weary because true success is anticipated. “…for in due season we will reap…” The time of your harvest is specifically selected for you. Due translates from the Greek word idios, from which we get our English terms idiom and idiosyncrasy—it relates to something that is peculiar or particular, unique. Your harvest will be different from what someone else may reap. Secondly, the time of your harvest is sovereignly selected by God. Season refers to a special occasion.
Don’t quit when weary because the Lord’s strength is available. “…if we do not give up.” At first, it seemed that Paul was speaking to them, but now we see he was including himself in this encouragement as he uses the word we. Earlier in verses 7-8, Paul states the principle that we reap what we sow. He has taught the Galatians that they are to sow to the Spirit. These dear brethren had been plagued by false teaching, religiosity, and the travails of trying to live the Christian life in their own self-effort and strength. In Galatians 5, he calls us to walk by the Spirit (5:16), be led by the Spirit (5:18), and live by the Spirit (5:25).
Weary is the idea of growing weak, faint or feeling like a failure. God wants us to depend on His strength. I pray God will strengthen you as a servant of Christ in these days. ■
Your brother in Christ,
Brian Autry
