If We Faint Not

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

—Galatians 6:9

Hebrews 12:3 states, "For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls." The King James Version puts it as, "lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." The term "consider" means to study, ponder, deliberate, examine, and meditate upon. To prevent ourselves from becoming weary and faint in our minds, we should intentionally consider and meditate on Jesus.

The Greek word "ekluo," which is translated as "faint" in Galatians 6:9 and Hebrews 12:3, actually means "to relax." This term does not refer to completely giving up; rather, it emphasizes the need to maintain the same level of intensity over an extended period of time. In other words, we need to practice patience.

Galatians 6:9 tells us not to become weary because one day we will reap. No one becomes weary instantly; weariness develops over time. The principle of sowing and reaping takes time to unfold. There is a "due season" when our harvest arrives, and we must maintain our faith until that time.  Weariness begins in our minds. Those who feel weary have often been thinking incorrectly. It's not the external events that cause our reactions; rather, it's our thoughts about what happens to us that determine our success or failure (Proverbs 23:7). To remain faithful during the growing season until our harvest arrives, we must win the battle over our thoughts.

The phrase "due season" signifies that there is an appointed time for our harvest to be ready. Farmers do not plant their crops one day and reap the next; it takes time for the seeds to germinate and mature. Similarly, spiritual seeds require time to grow. Those who do not understand this may become frustrated when they sow a seed and do not see an immediate return. All seeds—whether spiritual or physical—need to be planted well in advance of when they are needed. Just as farmers plant in the spring to harvest in the fall, we must also plan ahead when sowing spiritual seeds.

The promise of reaping is conditional upon our not fainting. Weariness is often the result of losing the battle over our thoughts. Many people may still appear to believe in God, but have given up mentally. They may deceive others, but "God is not mocked" (Galatians 6:7). The Lord examines their hearts (1 Samuel 16:7) and knows their innermost thoughts. 

Hebrews 12:3 offers us a remedy for weariness and discouragement: we must consider Jesus. He experienced more rejection and injustice than any of us ever will. Yet, He didn't just survive; He thrived. He even extended forgiveness to those who were crucifying Him. If He could do that, we can too, by following the guidance found in these verses. We shouldn't focus on the pain but rather on the promise that lies beyond it. By looking toward the prize to be gained instead of the race that needs to be run, we can endure just as Jesus did.

Have you compared the suffering Jesus endured to what you are enduring now?  In comparison, our problems are insignificant. Therefore, we can encourage ourselves with the certainty that just as Jesus prevailed, we too will prevail if we do not lose heart.

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