May 16: Let Us Not Grow Weary

“What’s the point?”

There have been times when this question has crossed my mind.

I get up, I get dressed, I feed the kids, we do some school… but why?! The world is at a standstill, people are in crisis, and what am I doing?! Giving piano lessons through FaceTime?! 

I’ve been tempted to give in to depression. I’ve wished I was someone else—namely, a nurse or a doctor—just so I can help somehow. I’ve had days of weariness—weariness with the social distancing and face masks and the feeling that I’m just twiddling my thumbs.

Maybe you’ve had these moments, too. Maybe you need encouragement, as I’ve needed encouragement. What lifted me up and carried me through these times? The stories of Joseph, Esther, and Daniel.

• Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, living in Egypt, miles away from his family.

• Esther, a Jewish girl growing up under Persian rule, was taken to be a part of the Persian king's harem and subjected to daily beauty treatments.

• Daniel was taken captive to live in Babylon under King Nebuchadnezzar.

These three people all had reasons to be depressed. Their lives were turned upside down. They were far from their families. Surely they had days when they wondered, "Why? Why should I do this? Why should I even get up today?" It was difficult for them to see the purpose in what they were doing, or the purpose in what God was doing.

And yet, Joseph, Esther, and Daniel not only carried on, day by day, they excelled in their work. 

• Joseph became the overseer of all his master's property.

• Esther was chosen to be the new queen.

• Daniel was a high advisor to the king.

They had every reason to give in to their depression and trudge through their day, but they didn't. And God, with His purpose, used them in amazing ways! Genesis 39:3 tells us this about Joseph: "His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands." A few chapters later, the Bible tells us that "Pharaoh said to his servants, 'Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?'" (Genesis 41:38 ESV)

And the results?

• Joseph eventually became the overseer of Pharaoh's property and saved the kingdom from a famine.

• Esther did her queenly duties and found favor with the King, saving the Jewish people from genocide.

• Daniel faithfully served King Nebuchadnezzar for decades, and then his son Darius, who, after Daniel survived the lions' den, decreed that the kingdom will serve only Daniel's God. 

It’s true that we don't know God's purpose in all this. But our story, like the stories of Joseph, Esther, and Daniel, is much bigger than us! God is with us, He does have a purpose, and we can excel in spite of the situation!

Galatians 6:9-10 reminds us: "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."

Father, I trust You.

I trust that You are working.

I trust that Your story is bigger than what I perceive.

May my eyes remain focused on You and my gaze, heavenward.

Holy Spirit, help me to persevere in all that I do.

Help me to excel even when I grow weary.

May the world see Your light shining through me.

Amen

Shelter in Peace,

Rita Baird