Do Not Grow Weary of Doing Good

"You can offer help and encouragement to others. You too can reach out and become the hands and feet of Jesus." Kathy Spampinato

The second hurricane came, and left devastation in its path. It also brought over 100 tornados to Florida that left destruction in their wake. That is extremely unusual in this part of the country. People are facing overwhelming damage to their homes and properties. So many people living in our area, are completely overwhelmed by the workload that has arrived at their door. The winds and rain have ended, but the work of restoration continues day after day.

 My heart breaks for those whose lives are forever changed by the effects of this storm. Compassion pours towards those who have little left, and do not know how to proceed. I was shocked to hear that lots of seniors in this area have paid off their mortgages, and do not carry insurance on their homes. That is inconceivable to me, but they had to choose between paying taxes or insurance. And now, when the storm has ravaged their home, they have no insurance money to help rebuild. They do not know what the future holds.

So, what are we to do in this situation? It seems clear that the destruction was not as bad as predicted because of the prayers of many. God weakened and turned the storm before it made landfall. I am one of the fortunate ones whose damage was minimal, yet we can offer help physically, financially, and spiritually to those who are in a desperate time. I am unable to help physically right now, but my husband has volunteered multiple times over the last two weeks, since the first hurricane struck. At times he has been exhausted, and yet he perseveres because the need is great. He has gone out in small teams of 3-6 people as they’ve hauled wet furniture and cleared out dead appliances. They’ve dragged downed tree limbs and branches, and raked debris into piles.

Those who have received the offers of free labor have been so grateful. They have cried tears of relief as the volunteers simple arrived saying, “How can we help? What do you need us to do?”  The teams have been able to lift the weight of burden and offer hope. They have prayed with the homeowners and offered support and encouragement in their time of need.

 Galatians 6:9-10 ESV “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

 I find it interesting that this verse mentions that it is especially important to offer help to other people of faith. I believe that this is because our fellowship builds strength and unity. We are family. We must look after one another and show care and support. Yet, we are also to love our neighbors as ourselves. It is easy to grow weary when putting yourself out there and helping. It wears on you in every way: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. You do not know where your own strength will come from. It is important to pace yourself so you do not collapse in whatever arena you are offering help to others. Care givers must have rest time to replenish and revive themselves. I want to remind you that God is our source!

 Isaiah 40: 28-29, 31 “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.  …but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

I do not want to be bossy and tell you what you should be doing, but to offer encouragement. You can be a doer of the word! You can offer help and encouragement to others. You too can reach out and become the hands and feet of Jesus. They will see your love and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 states: "All praises belong to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he is the Father of tender mercy and the God of endless comfort. He always comes alongside us to comfort us in every suffering so that we can come alongside those who are in any painful trial. We can bring them this same comfort that God has poured out on us.

If troubles weigh us down, that just means that we will receive even more comfort to pass on to you for your deliverance! For the comfort pouring into us empowers us to bring comfort to you. And with this comfort upholding you, you can endure victoriously the same suffering that we experience. Now our hope for you is unshakable, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings you will also share God's comforting strength."