A Word to the Weary

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)

Some of us are charging into 2026 full of passionate resolve to tackle our projects and achieve our goals. Yet for so many of the rest of us, we limped into the new year dragging a load of heartache, exhaustion, and fear of what the months ahead might bring. If we’re honest, we’re losing our grip on our calling. We wonder how to encourage others when we’re depleted ourselves. How can we find strength to endure in the good work of sharing God’s wisdom and hope?

For us, it helps to ask, “How did we get here?” before asking how to move forward. A prayerful examination of our spiritual, emotional, and physical condition can reveal the reasons we’ve grown “weary in doing good.” We might ask,

• Whose negative criticism is drowning out the Spirit’s voice in my ear?
• Am I studying the Word to teach others before I let it counsel me?
• Do I fall into people-pleasing, struggling to set boundaries around my time and attention?
• Have I been caught in the comparison trap that strives to keep up with the pace, the online presence, or the output of others in their ministry?
• Am I inviting others to care for me—through vulnerable conversations, counseling, or mentorship—while I work to care for others?
• Is God nudging me to lay down a role, responsibility, or project that is difficult to surrender?
• Am I receiving God’s gifts of laughter and life’s simple joys?
• Do I intentionally name my blessings and express gratitude for them?

If any of those questions resonated with your spirit, you’re not alone. We can lose heart when our prodigal child shows disdain for our faith and ministry. We work from home where it’s tough to draw a firm line between work hours and family time. The FOMO is real when we turn down a fresh opportunity because we don’t have capacity for one more thing. Slow progress and closed doors can stir up our doubts and insecurities. And hard work, day in and day out, can take a toll on our strength.

That’s why we’re grateful for God’s compassion on our weakness. His Spirit and his Word stand ready to untangle the lies we’re believing, to heal our hurts, and to align our projects and plans with his “good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2). 

Today, let’s meditate on these scriptures and invite the Lord to build us up in faith, endurance, and hope for the year ahead. If we do our work of ministry with him—not just for him—he will do more than we can ask or imagine.

• “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
• “If anyone serves, he should do so as one who serves by the strength God supplies.” (1 Peter 4:11)
• “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)
• But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
• Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. (Proverbs 11:14)
• Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. (John 15:4)

Let’s pray together for God to write these scriptures on our hearts and establish them in our lives this year.

Lord, apart from you I can’t do anything. I need your wisdom to bring clarity. I need your strength to overcome my weakness. When I’m too discouraged to carry on, I need assurance you’re still by my side. Kindle in me a fresh love for you and those you’ve called me to serve. Restore my energy and soothe my hurt places. Pare away the distractions that keep me from single-minded obedience to your will. Build me up so I can serve you with faithfulness and joy in the days ahead. Amen.

I’d love to hear from you.

As you reflect on this message, would you share your thoughts in the comments? Your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today.

1. Which relationship or time commitment has hindered you in your calling?
2. What do you turn to for comfort when you feel stressed or tired?
3. Which of the scriptures listed above is most fitting for where you are today?

There’s no pressure to answer all three—even one honest reflection creates connection and encouragement for all of us. Let’s walk this journey together.

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