“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” - Galatians 6:9

Have you ever felt discouraged because your hard work didn’t seem to yield results? You give it your all—physically, emotionally, spiritually—only to feel unseen or unrewarded.

Maybe you’ve committed to working out five days a week, and even after months of discipline, you still can’t see that six-pack. Or in a family context, perhaps you’re the one who constantly goes above and beyond, only to feel like your love and effort go unnoticed.

At the institutional level, your organization might invest countless hours and resources into meaningful change, only to face resistance or apathy.

The same can be true of long-term investments—retirement plans, relationships, education. Sometimes it feels like they’re growing too slowly, and that can be disheartening.

Yet, in all these scenarios, we keep giving our 100%, even when we’re disappointed, frustrated, or tired. We persevere.

I want to share a personal story from my hospital ministry that highlights the value of perseverance. Not too long ago, I had a patient who stayed on my floor for two weeks. During our first visit, he told me plainly that he didn’t want any spiritual or emotional support. Though I sensed a deep pain behind his strong front, I honored his wishes and gave him space.

A few days later, as I passed by his room, I simply waved and moved on. This became our silent routine—until one day, he stopped me and asked, “Do you have time for me?”

Just like the persistent widow in the parable of the unjust judge (Luke 18), steady presence and quiet perseverance bore fruit. Over time, trust grew. And in the end, I was deeply honored to be let in.

Similarly, remember the parable of the fig tree (Luke 13:6-9). In his frustration, the owner wanted to cut the tree down for its unfruitfulness, but the gardener asked to wait one more year—to tend it, to nourish it, to give it another chance.

Our spiritual lives are often no different. Like certain trees, which take years before bearing fruit, the return on our investment may not come immediately. But it does come.

Through forbearance, hope, and faith, we are invited into a greatness that cannot be rushed, but is promised to those who do not give up.

Prayer:

Lord, give us the grace to persevere even when we don’t see results.

Help us to trust that our labor in love is never in vain.

Teach us to grow in hope, to wait in faith, and to serve with joy.

May we learn to be patient, and never forget that in due time, You bring the harvest.

Amen.