I wrote the post below a few months ago when felt physically and emotionally drained.  I hope it will encourage someone else who isn’t sure if they can put one foot in front of the other, or stay up any later studying, or hear their name called one more time, or get out of bed for that matter…

As of late, it has come to my attention that I am tired; tired of going to work, tired of working out, tired of saying the “right” thing and tired of doing the “right” thing. Honestly, it’s exhausting and exhilarating at the same time. You see I love lists, planners and journals. I love colored pens and hi‐liters. I use all of these things to help me to stay organized and to keep me motivated, especially when I’m tired. There’s just something about being able to check off or hi‐lite something as complete. I was nice today (✓) I did my devotional (✓) I only drank water (✓) I changed the station when that song came on (✓) I held my tongue (✓). You get the picture.

The exhausting part is that the lists never end, and if they do, they only start over the next day. So today, I say, “ENOUGH!” Am I saying I’ll never make another list again? No! What I am saying is that I am not defined by lists, my accomplishments, or my failures for that matter. In fact, I don’t even define me. The only thing that defines me is God, and he says that I was am made in His image and to die for.

So why am I striving to go good? Well, because that’s what He has asked of me.

“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

Not only has God given us direction (let us not become weary), but He has also given motivation (we will reap a harvest if we do not give up). But what about the meantime? What happens between the sowing and the harvest? How do I make it to the finish line without quitting? How do I make it out the door when all I want to do is get back under the covers?

In between God’s direction and motivation is His provision. God knows us better than we know ourselves, so He provided a way for us to keep going despite the anger, frustration, lethargy, annoyance, and achy joints we all feel at times

“Yet those who wait on the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired; they will walk and not get weary.” – Isaiah 40:31.

These aforementioned feelings are often lies that the enemy creates to get us off the mark. In contrast, we can be sure that God’s Word is always true. When we make the decision to live our lives for Christ and His glory, He is sure to give us new strength. He wants us to do well. He wants to be able to say, “well done” to us. He asks us to:

“Cast all your worries and cares on Him, because He cares for you.” –1 Peter 5:7

When we exchange our business for His, we can receive freedom from our lists and everything else that binds us. No more worries and no more comparisons. God says:

“For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” –Matthew 11:30

When we stop running our own race and start running His, we are sure to win. And truly, the reward isn’t just in the end; it is also in the process where the growth takes place. We do not grow when we just jump to the finish line. If we are going to win a race, we have to run everyday. There are no shortcuts. Do the work. That’s the only way for us to truly appreciate the end reward anyways. And if you’re still in the struggle, take heart; that’s a good thing. It means you haven’t quit. You’re in it to win it. Keep going!