A young guy who was physically fit and strong decided to look for a job where he could use his natural abilities. He found the perfect job to do this, which could also give him a good income.
He decided to apply for a job cutting down trees for a lumber company. They gave him a new axe and sent him off to see how many trees he could cut down in one day.
The first day he pushed really hard and came back after cutting down 18 trees. And his boss was so impressed that he really praised him and sent him back the next day to see how he would do.
But the next day when he went out, with even more zeal than before, he only succeeded in bringing back 15 trees. On the third day he applied himself even more than before, but could only bring back 10 trees.
Not understanding what he was doing wrong, he spoke to his boss and asked him if he knew why he was getting worse all the time with his results. Was he losing his strength? Were the trees becoming more difficult to cut down?
His boss asked him a simple question. Have you been resharpening your axe before going out? To which he replied, no, I have been too busy chopping down trees to think of doing that.
There was the answer and in fact this may be the very answer you are looking for when you ask, “Why has my spiritual life declined, and I am not accomplishing much for the Kingdom of God anymore?”
Did you take time out to sharpen your spiritual power by spending time in the presence of the Lord and in His Word? Did you take time out to stop and listen to the Lord before trying to push ahead in your life and ministry?
Do you not realise that all the power and ability you will ever need is contained and built up in your spirit? And when you keep your spirit primed and charged up, you can tackle anything that life throws at you. You can easily overcome every attack from the enemy.
Make up your mind that starting today, you will not begin your daily activities without first taking time to be in His presence. Take time to not only bring your needs to Him, but also listen carefully to what He says to you.
It is great if you are able to journal and hold a conversation with the Lord, and you will be amazed at what He tells you. If you have not learned to do this yet, then while you are learning, take time to read His Word and let Him speak to you from the Scriptures.
Then, with your spiritual axe freshly sharpened, you can go out there and accomplish so much more in both your daily life and your ministry.
In His Love
Les D. Crause
Apostle and Servant of Jesus