Some years ago a young man approached the foreman of a logging crew and asked for a job. "That depends," replied the foreman. "Let's see you fell this tree." The young man stepped forward and skillfully felled a great tree. Impressed, the foreman exclaimed, "Start Monday!"
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday rolled by, and Thursday afternoon the foreman approached the young man and said, "You can pick up your paycheck on the way out today."
Startled, he replied, "I thought you paid on Friday." "Normally we do," answered the foreman, "but we're letting you go today because you've fallen behind. Our daily felling charts show that you've dropped from first place on Monday to last on Wednesday."
"But I'm a hard worker" the young man objected. " I arrive first, leave last, and even have worked through my coffee breaks!"
The foreman, sensing the boy's integrity, thought for a minute and then asked, "Have you been sharpening your ax?"
"The young man replied, "I've been working too hard to take the time"
-- William D. Boyd
(From the book Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome by Kent & Barbara Hughes)
The context for this quote was talking about the importance of prayer. We may do all the actions and work that God has asked us to do, but without spending time in prayer with Him, our work may become dull and ineffective.
I am guilty of not sharpening my ax.
I am guilty of becoming stressed and overworking.
Why?
Well, because deep down I often think I am the determining factor of whether God will work or not.
In my pride, I think God needs me.
In my desire for fame, I think if I work, I'll be recognized and feel good about myself.
In my love of crossing off lists, I believe it'll feel more satisfying to busy myself.
The list of reasons that stop me from slowing down to sharpen my ax could go on...and on...and on.........and on.
I'm so grateful that our God is a God of grace and patience. I'm so thankful that once I know Him, I am adopted into His family and he will never let me go like the foreman in the story.
Yet, because He gave His life for me--I have an overflowing desire to serve Him and give Him glory. I may get sidetracked sometimes and not always do it well. Or I may try to do it in my own strength, but deep down there is a strong desire to honor Him. And I know this is done by declaring my dependence on Him through prayer.
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints" Ephesians 6:18
*****
Have you taken time to sharpen your ax today? Have you taken time to slow down and ask the Lord to be your strength? Your hope? Your source of joy?
If you need guidance, take time to look at our Prayer & Mission page. You'll find ideas and resources on it for prayer!
Let us not work in vain, but work with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Yet, because He gave His life for me--I have an overflowing desire to serve Him and give Him glory. I may get sidetracked sometimes and not always do it well. Or I may try to do it in my own strength, but deep down there is a strong desire to honor Him. And I know this is done by declaring my dependence on Him through prayer.