Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
This verse reminds me of Rebecca from the Old Testament. The Bible tells us that she was a beautiful young woman. As usual, she was at the town’s well, drawing water for her family’s needs. In those days, the well was like the center of the community where the women gathered together for a few minutes of respite from household chores, a place to catch up on all the news and make plans for upcoming celebrations or just laugh together about something.
Yet, in the midst of the hustle of daily routine, Rebecca was quick to offer help to the stranger and his group of weary travelers. She not only offered a precious resource- water, but she went beyond the call of duty and drew water for ten thirsty camels! It is said that a thirsty camel can drink up to 30 gallons of water! That was a lot of water that Rebecca fetched! In keeping with the famed hospitality of her culture, she invited the stranger and his caravan to her father’s house, assuring them of rest, food, and fodder for their animals.
Throughout her selfless serving, Rebecca did not know that the camels were laden with gifts for her and that it would ultimately lead her to her future husband. She was kind, generous and thoughtful and her servant heart opened doors to a blessing beyond what she could have dreamt of.
Then there is the story of the widow of Zarephath who was gathering the last of her dwindling resources and making what she thought was the last meal for herself and her young son. I imagine as she looks up through her tears and pondering over her plight, she sees Elijah who asks her to make him a cake first. It might have seemed like an incredulous request to her. But she complied, choosing to share the little she had in the face of reason and logic. She sacrificially gave, not knowing that her jar of flour and jug of oil would not run dry till the Lord gave rain on the land. Through her trusting obedience, she received a blessing beyond what she could have envisioned in the famine-hit land. Her son and she received a new lease of life. The Bible tells us that she and her household ate for many days.
Think of the little boy with the five loaves and two fish who was excited to be with the crowds of men, women, and children and hear the great Rabbi teach. I imagine his mother would have given him instructions not to forget his lunch packet and to eat on time as she lovingly packed his meal. Yet, when the disciples asked around if anyone had food with them, he was quick to share the small meal he had. Did he wonder what Jesus wanted his meagre meal for? Or did he joyfully give it because Jesus wanted it, and he was beside himself with excitement that he could offer something to Jesus? When Jesus broke it and gave thanks and passed the bread to the disciples who passed it around, I am sure he was wonderstruck! The little boy would not have dreamt that his simple act of generosity would turn into a blessing of such proportion. What a story to tell his family, friends, and everyone who would listen!
We have been created to do good, and in doing good, we are reflecting Christ whose life was poured out for us and whose body was broken for us, thus giving us a second lease of life!
Ephesians 2:10 reminds us,
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
When we go the extra mile, share the little we have, give from the last of our reserves, we trust that the God of the heavens will take care of our needs! I pray that we will not grow weary in doing good because, ultimately, our reward comes from God Himself, and He is a promise-keeping God!
But far more than a visible reward or a tangible award this side of heaven, I believe we are being transformed, and our lives will never be the same again!
Photo by loli Clement on Unsplash
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