Are you feeling faint-hearted, or do you know someone who is?
Encourage the fainthearted, and help the weak… 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Heavenly Father,
At times, our burdens become so great
that we struggle
to pray,
to believe,
to hope.
At such times,
we thank you for the church,
the community of believers
called to bear our burdens with us (Galatians 6:2).
I remember when my kids were small
and we had to walk a long way,
my husband would sometimes lift them on his shoulders to give their weary legs a rest.
From high above,
they gained new perspective
and a much-needed rest.
In the same way,
as we “encourage the fainthearted and help the weak,” may we give them
the rest they desperately need.
May we believe for them
when they are struggling with doubt.
May we hope for them
when they are weary of waiting for redemption.
May we endure hardship with them
as they suffer.
Lord, if we are the ones
needing a rest,
may we reach out for it
and receive it.
Lord, if we are the ones called and strengthened
to give that rest,
lead us to your weary ones who need it.
In Jesus’ burden-bearing name. Amen.
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:14; 1 Corinthians 13:7; Galatians 6:2.
