When the Power Goes Out
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”Galatians 6:9 (KJV)
Picture someone who has set aside one hour for the work that matters most to them. Halfway through, the power goes out. For the third time that season. The easy thing is to call it a sign and quit for the day.
Frustration is a normal first reaction. The question is what comes second. You can spend the rest of the hour wishing things were different, or you can work with what is in front of you and keep the commitment you made.
Paul had learned that second reaction: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Notice the word learned. Contentment in setbacks is a skill, built one interruption at a time.
And there is a promise for those who keep going: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” The harvest doesn’t depend on perfect conditions. It depends on not fainting.
Read it yourself
Read Philippians 4:10–13. What does Paul say he can do through Christ which strengtheneth him?
What interruption has been your excuse lately? What would keeping the commitment anyway look like?
Lord, teach me to be content in whatever state I am, and to keep going when things don’t go my way. Amen.