I have been working at the mission for over four years now. There have been times I have felt like or considered quitting—moments where I struggled to know if I was making any difference at all. I’ve felt frustrated when there are things I want to do but can’t for one reason or another. I have been in places of heartbreak and despair over losing somebody to relapse. Moments like these, at times, have put me in a place of asking questions like, why am I still here? Or is this really what I am called to do?

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10

I have always loved this verse but last year I heard it differently. I was in a meeting at Central and Pastor Jud was giving an encouraging talk. I was in one of these seasons where I felt like maybe I couldn’t do this any longer. During the whole talk, my wife kept looking at me and elbowing me because she knew I needed to hear everything he was saying. Then he quoted Galatians 6:9…. Ultimately, God was talking right to me. Then as we were leaving, my friend Amber stopped a conversation she was having with two others and stopped us to speak some really encouraging words to me. Again, all God. The message was clear and I was in tears most of the way home.

In the middle of these moments of struggle, God continually reminds me of the calling He’s placed on my life. Galatians 6:9 encourages me not to grow tired of doing good, even when it feels fruitless. This ministry is hard, but I know that God is working behind the scenes, often in ways I cannot see. The harvest will come in His timing, not mine.

Ezekiel 36:26 (NLT)

“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.”

It’s tempting to let disappointment and frustration harden my heart, but God promises to give me a heart that remains tender and responsive. I’ve learned to pray for Him to renew my spirit and help me see the people I serve through His eyes. When my strength feels like it’s running out, I lean on His compassion to carry me forward.

Psalm 34:18 (NLT)

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

In this work, heartbreak is inevitable. Losing someone to relapse or seeing them struggle can crush my spirit. But God has been faithful to meet me in those moments, reminding me that He is close to the brokenhearted. His presence is my refuge when I feel overwhelmed by grief or loss.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT)

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”

This verse helps me see how God is using my own story. The comfort I’ve received from Him in my recovery is what I now offer to others. It’s humbling to know that the grace He has poured into my life equips me to walk alongside others in their pain and struggles. None of my experiences have been wasted; they’ve all been used for His purposes.

Application:

– I remind myself to pray for God to renew my heart daily, especially when I feel discouraged or weary.
– I reflect on the ways God has shown up in my own life, and I use those experiences to encourage others.
– I hold onto the truth that even the small, unseen acts of love in this ministry have eternal significance.

Remember, even when the work feels heavy and the results seem unseen, God is using your faithfulness to plant seeds of hope and transformation that will bear fruit in His perfect time.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for the calling You have placed on my life. When I feel like quitting or wonder if I’m making a difference, remind me of Your promises. Renew my heart and keep it tender and compassionate, even when the journey is hard. Help me to trust You with the harvest, and to remain faithful in planting seeds of love and hope. Thank You for comforting me in my struggles and using my story to comfort others. In Jesus’ name, amen.