How Long, O Lord?: A Journey From Exhaustion to Hopeનમૂનો

Earlier in this plan, we learned that lust produces sin, and sin produces death. That's the genealogy of sin. But there's another genealogy at work in your life.

James 1:17-18 ESV reveals the genealogy of God: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures."

This is God's genealogy. Our heavenly Father brings forth salvation, and salvation gives birth to life. Not just biological life, but full, rich, abundant life with God—both here and in eternity.

James says we're the "first fruits," which means we're supposed to be a preview of what's coming. We can catch a glimpse of the life God has planned for the entire world.

So how do we steward this life? How do we experience it fully, especially when we're weary? James gives us four focal points.

First, focus on God's goodness. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above." Every good thing in your life can ultimately be traced back to God. Instead of focusing on what you want but don't have, focus on God's goodness and how it has led to every good gift you do have.

Second, focus on God's faithfulness. James says God is one "with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." We live in a world where everything seems to be changing constantly. In that world, you can focus on what you've lost or don't understand, or you can focus on God's faithfulness—the One who never changes, not even a shadow.

Third, focus on God's word. James says God "brought us forth by the word of truth." Yet, we spend 10 to 15 times more time consuming social media than we do reading Scripture, and the fruit shows it. I'm convinced that many of us are being discipled more by their social media feeds and favorite internet personalities than by God's word.

If you want to see any situation the way God sees it, you won't get that perspective from scrolling through your feeds or watching your favorite pundit. You'll only get it from God's word.

Finally, focus on God's plan. We are part of God's plan to reveal to the world what life with Him is like. At a time when you might wonder if anyone's in charge or if God knows what He's doing, focus on the fact that God has a plan. And He wants to include you in it!

When you're weary, the temptation is to focus on what's wrong, what's changing, what you've lost, or what you fear. But weary believers endure trials and resist temptations when we focus on the source of our strength.

The foundation we stand on isn't our politics, our experience, or our opinions. It's God, and He has not changed. There's not even a shadow of change in Him. We move forward based solely on Him.

He's never failed us, and He won't fail us now. That's how weary believers navigate the adventure we find ourselves in today. We focus on the source of our strength, and we discover that His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

Want more help overcoming weariness and discouragement? I've created a complimentary resource called Overcoming Spiritual Resistance: 7 Biblical Strategies to Keep Moving Forward When You Feel Stuck. I’d love to continue encouraging you as you follow Jesus.