Audio Option
Please click on the audio player below to listen to today’s message. Thank you!
Scripture
If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.
Ecclesiastes 10:10
Reflection
Some of us are really struggling, exerting a lot of energy, and it’s taking its toll on us. Well, that’s because we’re approaching life and the tasks at hand with a dull ax. We’re swinging and swinging, yet contact has a minimal impact because our ax is not sharp enough to break through. So we must work hard, exert twice or even three times the energy, and make it clear that we rarely use this ax.
There are different methods we can choose to sharpen an ax. You can select a file, grinder, or sharpening stone. Let’s select the latter, as it seems most appropriate for the time in which Ecclesiastes was written and an object more easily attained by the common folk.
An ax that is dull needs to be prepped before being sharpened. The head needs to be cleaned, and the stone you’re using needs to be well-oiled to help keep the ax cool while it’s being sharpened. The stone should have a rough and smooth side that will be used to grind and then sharpen the ax. You’re to start with the rough side of the stone, which will remove whatever material and gunk is on the ax and help grind the ax. Sharpening stones will cut at several angles, so you have to use them in circular motions to see the best results. After both sides of the ax have been thoroughly worked, with roughly the same number of passes or time spent, we flip the stone over to the smooth side, also called the fine side. We add some oil to that side of the stone and repeat the process. This stage helps the ax become sharper and more refined. It takes less time than the grinding stage. Once done, coat the head of the ax with oil to protect the metal.
These steps require skill, and the more you do it, the more it comes naturally to you. Think of your daily tasks at home and work; where are you struggling because your metaphoric “ax” is dull and unsharpened?
You can’t get better in any aspect of your life without practice, without trying repeatedly; without trying your best and working to improve upon that. The more you engage and practice, the more proficient you become, and the less energy you will exert with each attempt. Once you become skilled at it, you will find that your efforts will bring you success in that area and in others. Clean, oil, grind and sharpen your “ax.” Over time, you will make your work seem effortless. It’s the commitment to action that will result in the greatest reward.
Imagine how much stronger and more intimate your relationship with God would be if you engaged with Him regularly and intently, allowing Him to clean, oil, and sharpen you?
Prayer
Father, I thank You for Your love and all of the ways You show it. I want to strengthen our relationship. I know that you’re waiting on me to engage, as every day You’re speaking to me and guiding me, wanting greater intimacy with me. I ask for Your help in this area. I want that unbreakable bond and I want to do my part to build this with You.
I also know that Your plans for me require me to work in other ways.
I pray for continued learning and growth. That I may use Your gifts to build and increase my skills, and become the person that You intend for me to be. As long as You provide me the day and the means to perform, I will put in the work. I pray these things in the Name of Jesus. Amen.
And with that family, I pray that you are blessed, that you see and embrace your blessings, and that you are a blessing to others.
I love you. Go out there and make today an awesome day!
Natasha
Copyright 2011-2023. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com
Music: Climb by Shane Ivers; Quiescent In Time by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com