Daily Walk Through the New Testament
Read 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:18                          January 15
Sometimes doing good begins to feel like work — hard work. We get criticism instead of compliments. We are handed another to-do list instead of a trophy for our accomplishments. We wish we could sit this one out and let someone else carry the load. In 3:13, Paul warned believers about this ministry fatigue, saying, “Do not grow weary in doing good.” Instead of counting on our own strength and patience, we have to follow Paul’s key strategies for overcoming ministry fatigue.
The first key is focusing on God and trusting Him to do the work through us. When we stop focusing on God, we rely on ourselves and grow weary. Instead, we need to “stand fast” (2:15) and allow God to fill us with the strength we need to do His work. Isaiah 40:31 promises that “those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles.”
Another key is to read and study the Bible. Paul instructed believers to “hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle” (2:15). Paul was referring to the Word of God. We must never forget that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). When you grow weary in doing good, look to God and His Word to renew your strength!