Pivot!

Have you ever felt tired of doing the right thing? Not physically tired....but the tired that you feel way deep in your soul. Like you’re pouring out, showing up, working hard, walking in integrity… and still, the results feel slow.

If that resonates with you, this one verse in 2 Thessalonians 3:13 might feel like a gentle but firm hand on your shoulder:

But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

The word “but” at the beginning of verse 13 is more than just a conjunction.....it’s like a clue. It tells us to look back. It implies a contrast. So what is Paul contrasting this with?

Verses 1–12 lays out some pretty heavy things...

• He pleads for prayer because not all men have faith (v2).

• He warns of unreasonable and wicked men (v2).

• He points to disorderly people ...those who are idle, living off others, and stirring up trouble (v6–11).

• He even commands believers to withdraw from those who persist in idleness and disobedience (v6, 14).

You've gotta admit, this is REAL church life. It's messy, tiring, full of people problems and spiritual warfare.

This is where everything changes. Verse 13 begins with “But…” and that’s not just a casual transition.....it’s a pivot.

In writing speak, a pivot is that powerful moment when the message shifts direction. Paul moves from exposing what’s wrong to encouraging those who are still trying to do what’s right.

He’s pretty much saying, “Yes, all of that is happening… BUT don’t let it make you give up!”

Now, for a moment of humor.....because honestly, it fits and every time the word "pivot" is mentioned, I can hear Ross Gellar in my head.   

  

Does anyone remember?  They were trying to carry the couch up the stairs and Ross starts yelling, 

“PIVOT! PIVOT! PIVOT!”

Total chaos, everyone was frustrated and nothing was working. 

Yeah.… it kind of mirrors church conflict, spiritual opposition, and the exhaustion of trying to keep going when things get heavy, doesn't it?

But......in that same spirit, Paul is yelling to us through this verse...

“PIVOT!" Don’t get stuck in the mess! Don’t let what others are doing (or not doing) make you lose focus! Turn. Refocus and DON'T GROW WEARY IN WELL DOING.

Wait though, what is "well doing"? 

Well doing doesn’t always mean big acts of service. It’s the consistent, faithful stuff, like...

• Loving others even when they’re hard to love.

• Praying when you feel like nothing’s changing.

• Working diligently, even when no one notices.

• Choosing honesty, purity, kindness, and faithfulness... day after day (especially on the days when it is the hardest).

This verse isn’t aimed at the idle. It’s a word to the ones who are already doing well, but might be tempted to give up because of discouragement, frustration, or fatigue.

He's is saying, “I see you. I know it’s hard. But don’t stop.”

We’re living in a weary world. You may feel overwhelmed by the brokenness around you....in society, in your family, even in the church. It’s tempting to shut down or pull away.

But here’s the real truth of it all....

Faithfulness matters...even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.

Your quiet obedience is not in vain. God sees it. And He promises to strengthen and reward those who don’t grow weary.

Galatians 6:9 echoes this very same thought....

and let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

So, if you’ve been feeling it lately...that soul-deep kind of tired....know this:

You’re not alone, invisible. or wasting your effort. 

God sees the love you give. He hears the prayers you whisper, the forgiveness you offer, and the integrity you fight to maintain.

And right here, in 2 Thessalonians 3:13, God is leaning in and saying

“Don’t grow weary. Don’t give up. Keep going. You're making more of a difference than you know.”

So pivot, friend. PIVOT! 
Not out of frustration, but out of faith. 
Turn your focus back to the One who rewards every quiet act of obedience.
Keep sowing. Keep walking. Keep trusting.

Because in due season… you will reap.

If you faint not.