Have you ever seen a boomerang soar?
I was four years old when my dad took me to a park and showed me an oddly shaped piece of wood. “Any time I fling this out, it’s going to come back to me,” he said.
I didn’t believe him.
As he released the boomerang, I held my breath, squinting in the bright sky until I couldn’t see it anymore. Finally, I sighed. I knew it was impossible.
But then my father told me to look up, and there it was--spinning its way back to us. He caught it in a firm grasp and waved it in front of me. “See? I told you it would come back.” I stepped up to inspect it.
“What goes around, comes around,” he said, patting my shoulder.
And it’s true. Sometimes, we won’t see results right away, but the effort we put into developing good habits will always be rewarded.
In our daily devotions:
- Sometimes, we’ll do our devotions but not feel euphoric in God’s presence.
- Sometimes, we’ll pray hard without seeing results.
- Sometimes, we’ll go for days or weeks without consistent time with God.
- Sometimes, we’ll wonder if it’s worth saying “no” to the flesh and “yes” to the Spirit.
Do not be discouraged. Keep pressing on. Consistent effort pays off every. single. time.
Anyone who has lost significant weight will tell you they had to stick to their healthy eating plan for months or years--even when their weight loss stagnated--before they reached their goal weight. Medical professionals spend years studying dry textbooks before they’re allowed to touch a patient. And Olympic athletes endure thousands of grueling workouts before they break world records.
Life change doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a result of persevering in good works even in the middle of hard parts.
Over time, you’ll see progress if you don’t give up:
- God promises that He WILL reward those who diligently seek Him.
- Your ceaseless prayers WILL be answered in due time.
- Your effort in studying the Bible WILL result in a deeper knowledge and love for God.
- Your surrender to the Spirit’s leading WILL lead to increased Christlikeness.
Don’t become weary in doing good, because at the right time you will experience victory… if you don’t give up. Instead, trust that God is faithful and He will graciously reward faithfulness, even in the small things.
So whether you’re just starting out your good habits or are already experiencing the rewards, know that you’ll eventually get back what you fling out. And just like the boomerang, the wait is always worth it.
Monday: Read Psalm 27:1-14. This psalm describes David’s quiet hope in God’s deliverance even when surrounded by the enemy. Write down two or three verses that resonate with you. Why did you pick those verses? How can you relate your “in between” feelings to David’s? Today, spend time praising God for His faithfulness and steadfastness in your times of waiting.
Tuesday: Read John 15:1-9. Summarize this passage in your own words. What does Jesus say is necessary in order to bear fruit? How does the picture of the vine and the branches help you visualize the importance of remaining connected to Jesus? Sometimes we need to remind ourselves just how dependent we are on God, especially if we’re self-motivated and self-reliant in other areas of our lives. Today, spend time expressing your neediness to God. Confess any area of your life where you’ve tried to achieve change on your own, and ask Him to help you stay connected to Him.
Wednesday: Read Psalm 46:10. How does the knowledge that God is sovereign help us be still? Today, write down the top 3-5 things that are heavy on your heart. Give them to Him, one by one, and then be still. Rest in His power and might to handle those situations. If thoughts come to mind, tell them to the Lord, and then be quiet again. Receive His rest, and allow His presence to soothe your weary soul.
Thursday: Read Philippians 1:6. What does this passage say about who begins work in us? What about who ends it? If we surrender to God, whose responsibility is our continued growth? How can this truth free you from discouragement and hopelessness when you don’t see progress? Think back to where you were a month ago, a year ago, or ten years ago. Do you see growth? Praise God for what He has done in your life, and trust Him to continue working, even in the seasons of faithful waiting.
Friday Fun Day: Read Psalm 9:1, 11. In verse 1, what does David say he will do? What does he charge the people to do in verse 11? If you haven’t already, begin writing down God’s specific blessings in your life. Watch how this list grows, and read it when you’re discouraged. Also consider keeping a record of your specific prayer requests, as well as the date and way in which God answered. These records of God’s faithfulness will encourage you to keep persevering when times are tough. And when you feel like you have nothing to praise God for, they will remind your heart of all the reasons you have to praise Him.
