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A Word of Encouragement

“So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time, we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.” – Galatians 6:9-10 MSG

Recently, I was treated to one of the more encouraging regular meetings that I have when I met with University of Kentucky Assistant Gymnastics Coach Chuck Dickerson. Chuck is one of the most refreshing human beings I know. (I have shared a bit of his story previously on this blog here). It is no wonder that he was recently named the NCAA Assistant Coach of the Year. UK Gymnastics had their best season in school history. Chuck reminded me of this verse that he clung to 8 years ago when he began working with the student-athletes at UK and meeting with me. There have been times over the past eight years that he was tempted to give up, but he hung in there and now there is a great harvest that seems to be continuing.

I want to pass on some of his contagious enthusiasm to you! Truthfully, we can be tempted to give up or quit in being the Church. We can become fatigued in doing good. We get tired of hosting, tired of helping, tired of counseling, tired of supporting others, tired of just having to think about it. When we take ownership of our faith and of the Great Commission, it can often mean that we take ownership of disappointment and unmet expectations. Fatigue can dampen our spiritual life. We can be tempted to become (or return to being) a church attendee. Delegating the hard parts of the Christian life out to a paid expert becomes appealing.

Friend, don’t give up! You will harvest a good crop… at the right time!

When we find ourselves in a similar place as the place Galatians, let us heed Paul’s advice and focus on those closest to us–starting with those in our community of faith! It almost seems paradoxical, but I see this in Chuck. He genuinely loves every UK gymnast. Every morning, he starts with those closest to him by caring for his team as if they were his own children. This service has undoubtedly been a big reason for the team’s success. Likewise, Christianity is a team sport and without a solid team, we will be left out trying to harvest an entire field on our own. This will mean fatigue. This will likely mean quitting. Let’s not allow this to happen as Paul warns! Let’s work for the benefit of all starting with the people of faith God has placed closest to us.

May God encourage you today as you persevere on the path that He has set before you!

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