This past year has affected many of us in different ways, but I think there’s one word we can all use…weary. Caring for others and doing ministry, while so often a source of joy and encouragement, may be one of the things that is adding to our weariness because there are just so many new challenges. Where and how to meet… Zoom fatigue... fewer regular attenders than usual… unable to do community activities in the same way… re-inventing what has been successful in the past… even just not having the comfort of the physical presence of each other or enjoying a meal together.
This past year has been genuinely more difficult, and it’s challenging to feel encouraged. God gave us this promise for times like this, and the season of spring offers us a wonderful visual. “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
I’m no great gardener, but there are times I can’t resist getting my hands in the dirt. There’s just something appealing about putting those seeds into the dark soil and trusting they’ll grow. We water, protect, and optimize sunlight, but ultimately, we just don’t know what our harvest will be.
In the same way, we do good by planting seeds--on campus, in our community, among our friends and co-workers--and putting our hope in the Lord. This hope is not something empty! It’s full of promise from God as we cling to his Word.
“I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
I wait for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.
Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
for with the Lord is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.” Psalm 130:5-7
Join me in expectant hope and preparation for the harvest to come! What does “doing good” look like in this season?
- Praying for our co-workers.
- Keeping in contact, still “meeting” outside of a meeting. Use email, texts, etc., to send little connections to colleagues, your manager, nursing students you know. Things like devotionals, words of encouragement, or weekly verses.
- Investing in the few. If you’re part of a nurse group, could this be an opportunity to pour more into those that do come? Can you start a nurse group in in your facility or community, drawing together some nurses who want to grow in their faith and be encouraged together?
- Growing yourself spiritually. Challenging seasons are so often those where we can renew our relationship with the Lord.
Katharine Provost, BS, MA, is an NCF National Campus Staff Minister, connecting with and equipping student leaders and faculty advisors on campuses nationwide. Katharine lives in Big Lake, Minnesota.
Ramp up your spiritual well-being: check out resources that can invigorate your faith and relationship with God.
Also, consider joining the weekly Sunday prayer time when nurses pray together and for each other.
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