Ecclesiastes 10:10, “If the ax dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but wisdom brings success.” (NKJV)
I love the old story about the day the young, muscular, rookie logger challenged the seasoned, wise veteran logger to a challenge. The young rookie challenged the veteran to see who could chop down the most trees from sunup to sundown. The whole town anticipated this contest.
When they started, they both started swinging their ax with strong precise strokes. As the day went on, the young rookie noticed the older veteran stopping to take a lot of breaks. He kind of felt sorry for the older veteran because he challenged the older man in front of the city for fun but also to prove he was the best.
When the day was over, the young, rookie logger apologized to the older veteran and said, “I’m sorry I challenged you and embarrassed you in front of all these people.” The veteran logger said, “You didn’t embarrass me.” The young logger said, “But sir, you must have been tired because you kept stopping to take many breaks. As you probably noticed, I’m young and I never stopped to take any breaks.” The wise, veteran logger said, “Son, I never stopped to take a break. I was just sharpening my ax.” After the trees were counted the wise veteran logger had cut down twice as many trees as the young rookie.
To complete the call and destiny that God has on your life you must to learn to stop and sharpen yourself. Whenever you see yourself getting dull, you can try to press through like the young logger did but you will not be effective. Instead, take the time, stop and sharpen yourself. Then get back to what God has called you to. You must know when it’s time to keep pressing forward and when it’s time to rest. There will be times that you need to go on a fast and spend extra time in prayer. There will be times when you need to stop and sharpen your personal walk with the Lord. Whenever I since myself growing dull, I generally go on a fast and intentionally seek God more. Taking the time to have a fresh encounter with the Lord will keep you sharp. My friends, we are going to hit our mark if we are in this journey of destiny for the long haul. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is stop and allow God to refresh and encourage you. Press into God, trust the process and take daily steps toward your destiny.
Joe Joe Dawson is the founder and apostle of Roar Apostolic Network and Roar Church Texarkana. Joe Joe is married to the love of his life, Autumn Dawson, and they have three children, Malachi, Judah and Ezra. The Dawsons teach a lifestyle of revival and awakening. Their desire is to see every believer fulfill their God-given destiny and live life to the fullest in God.
