Galatians 6:9 (NKJV) And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Is it possible to sow, toil and work only to lose heart and not reap any reward? Can all of our effort be lost simply by getting tired and giving up? If this is true, then it is imperative that we figure out how to not grow weary or lose heart while we are On Call in Culture.

How do we not grow weary?

Most of the time when I get tired I have been operating under two wrong assumptions:

1. I have to do everything myself. Because of this assumption, I don’t enlist the help of others.

2. I have to do everything as fast as I possibly can. Because of this assumption, I don’t pace myself and suddenly find myself tired without warning.

By enlisting the help of others and by pacing ourselves, we can hopefully avoid ing weary.

How do we not lose heart?

In Luke 18:1 (NKJV), the message of the parable of the persistent widow is described this way, “men always ought to pray and not lose heart.” It is through prayer that we don’t lose heart or give up. Throughout our work, we need to be connecting with God and strengthening our resolve to keep going.

Encourage yourself in difficult tasks

1 Corinthians 9:24 (NKJV) 24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

We have all had to face tasks that seemed too big or difficult for us but somehow we have gotten through them. What are some strategies you have used to help you persevere? What is this way of running that will result in us receiving the prize? Here are a few strategies I have used:

• Check points and Milestones: Breaking things into small pieces.

• Celebrating: Making a regular practice of remembering and celebrating (even if that simply means smiling to yourself). You can do this weekly by joining our Check In Team.

• Prayer : Staying connected with God

We would love to hear some other strategies for not growing weary or losing heart. Please share with us what helps you keep going when things are hard.