Mundane to Mastery

Our Sunday School lesson referred to the Karate Kid doing mundane tasks that, without him knowing, helped him learn his martial arts. He grew annoyed with what he thought was meaningless and a waste of time.

We often feel this way when we pray. Nothing seems to be coming of it. Is God ignoring us? Why doesn’t He answer?

In our “instant gratification” society, we want it our way and want it now. We drive-thru to get food on our way home. We can get anything we want at one of the millions of Walmarts or Dollar Generals that seem to be every 5-10 miles down the road. And we don’t even have to go inside. Order it on your phone and have it brought to your car.

But God isn’t Burger King. We can’t have it our way or on our schedule. Romans 5:3-4 tells us that we should glory in trials because they bring us patience. Patience brings us experience. Experience brings us hope.

Look at Job. If anyone had the right to complain about being ignored by God, it was Job. But no. Job was patient and continued in prayer faithfully, even while he watched everything taken away.

The first part of Revelations 2:2 says, “I know thy works, and thy labors, and thy patience.” God sees us, knows us, and knows our hearts. I John 5:14 tells us, “the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, he heareth us.” And Matthew 7:8 “For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened.”

He hears us. He sees us. We must continue in faith and patience. 2 Peter 3:8 says “be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day.” He is patiently waiting for us. We should respond in kind.

In all things we do, take time to do them in love. No matter how mundane the tasks seem, do your best, as though doing it for God. Pray without ceasing, even when you don’t see the answers how and when you want. Build your strength so when it’s your turn to compete, you will be ready.