When I was growing up, I attended a small Christian school in northeast Texas. I
loved being involved in the arts, like choir and drama. Much to my chagrin, I was
also required to take a Physical Education class multiple days a week. Any
preconceived notions that one might have about P.E. went out the window when
it came to our coach, Mr. Uland.
Coach Uland increased the level of expectation from any previous P.E. teacher I
previously had. I remember doing basketball drills, running laps in the gym and
around the football stadium, and leaping up plyometric boxes. Coach Uland’s
activities were grueling! None of this came easily for me, and, quite honestly, they
were the last things that I wanted to be doing.
Aside from helping me desire physical activity just a little less, Coach Uland
helped instill in me Christlike character. He showed us that a follower of Christ
does not give up, especially when life becomes challenging. I often hear Coach
Uland’s voice in my head saying “When I was a little boy, I did little boy things.
Now that I’m grown up, I do grown up things.” One of his continual mantras was,
“Keep on keeping on.” In these physical activities and in life, it can be easy to
become weary.
“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

Coach Uland’s admonishment was certainly not original to him. He was pouring
scripture into our minds and hearts. The apostle Paul knew that believers might
be tempted to grow weary in doing good. It is not easy to follow Christ! It takes
perseverance. We need to endure as we seek to honor Christ in our hearts and
lives. As we show the love of Christ to others through serving them, we are
honoring Christ. As we share the gospel with others, we are doing one of the
highest good deeds to which Christ calls us.
We will reap a harvest when we continue in what God has called us to do. Our
labor for the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:48). Even if it seems we are the
only ones who are doing right, we must not grow tired. God’s word promises that
He sees the good that we do in His name. The only way that we are able to
endure is through God’s power in us.

Jesus gave us the perfect example of perseverance when He died on the cross.
He was faithful to God’s calling on His life. God will give us the strength to “keep
on keeping on.” Take whatever is leaving you restless and give it to Jesus. May
we be filled from God’s Word and by His Spirit. May you be encouraged as you
seek to continue doing what God has called you to do.