“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:9,10

Keep On Keeping on…

I received an email from a friend today. I had asked about her health and her response was basically that she suffers pain from head to toe. This woman works full time in a ministry, and more.

She does not allow her pain to keep her from her work. This woman reminds me of a Bible study I’m doing with our church about Ruth. There is a quote in the lesson today. “There might be various reasons for our inactivity and we might have different capabilities that limit our ability to go to action. But God knows how much we can bear. He will not give us a task we cannot handle. There is a difference between understanding our own limits and underestimating what God can do through us—if we are willing” (Active Christianity).

I thought of this woman and how much that depicts her life, and especially what she has been going through working through this pain. She “keeps on keeping on.” During this time she has also been caring for her husband who also had health issues and surgery. Another scripture depicted this woman’s life: “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another, not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:10, 11).

Ruth was unaware that her behavior and love shown to her mother-in-law had been observed by the community, and that people were observing and talking about her.

You can see how this woman came to mind during this present lesson. As in the story of Ruth, many times people do not know that their lives are being watched, observed, and appreciated for their dedication to serving the Lord in spite of their physical handicaps, disabilities or physical pain. They have no idea what a blessing and inspiration they are to those that they serve alongside, and to those they serve who may know nothing of their sacrifice. They live in the strength of the Lord, and it shows.

This is a “shout out” to this woman and others like her that just “keep on keeping on.” Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for setting your pain aside, whether physical or emotional to serve others. Thank you, and “keep on keeping on” in the strength of the One you lean on, the One who fills your every longing and need.

O Lord, our strength, our refuge, our fulfillment of every longing and need we will ever encounter, You are the One we truly thank for everything You have given for us.