Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Hard Work

To be an artist, one must be willing to put in the time & energy to develop and refine their skills.  Though "natural" talent helps, there are no short cuts in life or art.  During my time in college, there were classes I took that truly were a struggle.  Ceramics was one such class.  At one point I had two professors who had dedicated their lives to the subject matter watch me throw on the wheel.   Neither could figure out my "issue".  They watched me create a bowl(or should I say attempt) over and over again, but could not pinpoint where I was messing up. I never gave up though.  I wish I could say that I magically became a master potter after my early struggles, but I can not.  Sometimes we can work with all that we are, and the end results aren't sunshine and roses.  Work isn't always about the outcome, but the attitude with which we work that matters. 

Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.  Rejoice in our confident hope.  Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

Romans 12: 11-12

This journey of faith we are on takes work!  Things don't just happen.  If we want to grow in our relationship with the Lord, we must put time, effort, and energy into it.  Sometimes we neglect our spiritual life.  Maybe it is because we've never been challenge to work at our faith?  Maybe it is because we feel we don't have enough time? Maybe we don't feel it is that important....isn't being saved enough? The idea of sacrifice, time, and discipline are foreign concepts in our microwave society, but the investment is worth it.  It doesn't mean that our life will always go smoothly, or that we'll love where we're at physically, spiritually, & emotionally at all times.  Hard work isn't always about the outcome  However it does allow us to know & trust the One who will be with us through it all. God has called us to know, grow, give, and go....and this takes work. Are you willing to give up being comfortable....to be who God has called you to be?  

PRAYER

Dear Lord...

Help me to be work hard in all I do!

May I work hard at my job...my marriage...my friendships..

in order to bring glory to you.  Help me to work hard at my relationship with You so that may know  You & make You known!  May my work bring you glory & honor!!

AMEN