Bible Passage

Galatians 6:9

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Index

It doesn’t matter where you live or where you look. From every angle possible, the condition of our world today appears more and more grim. To say we are facing unprecedented times is now an understatement. Whether it is government inefficiencies, economic setbacks or natural catastrophes, our current global and personal situations can seem extremely disturbing and tiring. And then, you add the recent pandemic to this mix. All this to say, the stress we are all undergoing is intense. So, given this reality, how do we continue our work in protecting children when we feel so emotionally and physically tired by our own current circumstances?

The only way to persevere in this climate is to focus on the only One who can sustain and uplift us— Jesus, our Lord and Savior. When Paul wrote Galatians 6:9, he, himself, knew the fatigue and toll that comes from the spiritual battles that every Christian faces, particularly those, like us, who are trying to do “good” by protecting children from harm. But he warns that if you are not properly or spiritually armed, you could open yourself up to falling victim to Satan’s plan of exhaustion.

That’s why for everyone committed to protecting children, you have to commit first to protecting yourself. How do you do that? The first way is to look at Jesus as our example. Jesus scheduled times for rest as recorded in Matthew 14 and Mark 4. Therefore, so should we. Jesus exerted discernment for what was essential and what could wait, and so should we. Jesus didn’t get discouraged because He knew His Father would provide for each need He wants to fulfill. We, in our busyness and overcommitments, need to remember this as well.

Caring and protecting children will always be a priority for the Church. However, we, the Church, must remember we can’t do this work alone, and we were never supposed to do it alone. We are to pray, do what is in our human capacity, and then leave the rest to God. He will be faithful to complete what He has started in us… and that includes the protection of children.

Questions for Devotion

What are you doing to keep your emotional, physical and spiritual health in check during this season?
Why do you think it is important to take care of yourself duing this time, especially as that self-care relates to your work in protecting children?
What other observations from this devotion or portion of scripture do you have?