Tag Archives: fatigue

November 4
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“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”  (Hebrews 12:3, NIV)

The antidote for fatigue and discouragement is the life of Jesus.

Because of His spirit within us, we each can be as Jesus was when facing opposition from others.  For example, when reviled (verbally abused) He did not revile in return; He prayed for His enemies; He sought reconciliation with His foes; He remembered that even when the devil and the forces of evil win a battle, it is God who shall win the war.

If you say that you cannot overcome opposition as Jesus did, you are correct — if your only resources are your own.  To succeed as Jesus succeeded, we must follow in His steps.  – Luther

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February 19
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“Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping.  ‘Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?’  he asked Peter.  ‘Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.  The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.'”  (Matthew 26:40-41, NIV)

We are full of potential!  Of all of the influences that conspire to limit our achievement and hobble the power of the spirit within us, physical fatigue is arguably the most formidable.

Then, we are tempted to excuse our failure to follow-through on our physical limitations: We are old (or young); we are ill-positioned; we are exhausted; we are handicapped.  Jesus did not expect the disciples to do more than any of them were able.  He never did.  He expected only that they watch with Him for 60 minutes.

Our physical limitations are real, but they are not insurmountable — especially if we are willing to pray as we stand watch; and watch as we stand praying.

Our physical limitations are real, but they are not insurmountable — especially if we are willing to include those nearest to us in the task.

What might have been the outcome, despite their fatigue, had the 11 disciples chosen (as Paul and Silas did some years later in prison; please see Acts 16:22-26 for the full story) to pray and sing hymns to release the spirit; energize the flesh — and see the power of God come down?  The spirit is willing!  Are we? – Luther

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February 13
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“Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. ‘Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?’ he asked Peter. 41 ‘Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.'” (Matthew 26:40-41, NIV)

We are full of potential!  Of all of the external influences that conspire to limit our achievement and hobble the power of the spirit within us, physical fatigue is arguably the most formidable.

Then, we are tempted to blame our failure to follow-through on our physical limitations: We are old (or young); we are ill-positioned; we are exhausted; we are handicapped. Jesus did not expect the disciples to do more than any of them were able. He never did. He expected only that they watch with Him for 60 minutes.

Our physical limitations are real, but they are not insurmountable — especially if we are willing to pray as we stand watch; and watch as we stand praying. Our physical limitations are real, but they are not insurmountable — especially if we are willing to include those nearest to us in the task.

What might have been the outcome, despite their fatigue, had the 11 disciples chosen (as Paul and Silas did some years later in prison; please see Acts 16:22-26 for the full story) to watch and pray and sing hymns to release the spirit; energize the flesh — and see the power of God come down?  The spirit is willing!  – Luther

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