“…be strong and finish the task…” – Zechariah 8:9
Though just a fragment of a verse, these words stood out to me. I needed the encouragement. It had been a long week and work seemed to be piling up on every front. Now I know that happens sometimes and we’re equal to the tasks God gives us, but it just felt like burnout. I was tired and ready for a break.
And then reading Scripture on Sunday, these words jumped out at me, renewing my energy, my resolve, and my strength. I am well able, a voice inside me declared! I never enjoy growing weary of my work, but I do love the refreshing encouragement that refuels me!
As I considered this verse, I personalized it in different ways to remind myself of God’s unending support and love. I thought you might want to personalize it for yourself too! I quickly jotted down what this verse meant to me in the moment, but you should definitely redefine it for yourself!
Be Strong and Finish the Project / Work
Projects and work. Both are seemingly unending tasks and can, after some time or some hold ups, become quite wearing and frustrating. But on the other hand, they are what we are here for, so we must do our best!
I love the perspective that God equips us for where He leads us. He doesn’t give us a mission and then abandon us. He gives us more than we can ask or need! But we must be wise with our resources and stay on task! With this in mind, we should never reach burnout. Because if we become burned out that simply means we have misapplied our resources. Maybe we didn’t get as much rest as we should have or maybe we squandered our time. Perhaps we even got too busy with busy work, not with the work that mattered.
But we can fix this! First off, I recommend getting some sleep. Get to bed, take a nap, just rest up a little. I think women struggle way more when they are tired. Our attitudes go downhill, we just aren’t our best. But with a bit of rest, we can pick up where we left off refreshed and level-headed!
And that’s how we want to pursue our projects and work: enthusiastic and confident in what God has for us to do. Whether it is run an enormous corporation or raise a little one, it is vital that we do our work to the very best of our ability!
Be Strong and Finish the Learning
Maybe you are in school or college. Perhaps you are learning a new program for work. If you’re anything like me, sometimes the mistakes you make while learning can be frustrating. Not that I set out to be frustrated by what I am learning, just sometimes the frustrations can sneak in.
No matter, we are equipped for where we are led! Be strong and finish the learning. Don’t get frustrated with yourself, but instead encourage yourself! You are well able! You are well equipped! And with this new found knowledge you will be able to serve others well!
Be Strong and Finish the Waiting
This one hits home harder than others at times. Waiting.
Whether I am waiting for the next sales goal to be met, waiting for the right man, or waiting for something as simple as a meal, there is just no way to speed waiting.
But like everything else, I want to do this remarkably well, and I know that I am perfectly equipped for it! So instead of becoming a limp, discouraged dishrag (quite the picture right?!), I want to be strong and finish this time of waiting remarkably well. God has the whole world in His hand and I am certain He has my timeline figured out. He knows where He has me and what He has for me to do – and I want to fill that role remarkably well!
And added bonus, I am learning patience! Not a disgruntled, reluctant patience, but rather a peaceful and content form of patience.
What Does This Verse Mean to You?
If you were to personalize this verse, what would it mean to you? Feel free to share it below! And don’t stop with just one meaning, consider several!
“Be strong and finish the ________ “
Personalizing Scripture is an incredible gift that will refresh and encourage your heart!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. Don’t stop here! Keep reading: https://www.theamericanlady.com/2020/10/14/what-is-next/