“The Disciplined Life” Pt 3:
Learning something new is always exciting, even if at times, it’s challenging. Putting what has been learned into practice more often than not, requires time consuming practice. David didn’t just walk out on the hillside and throw a stone killing the giant. What he didn’t know was that while he was bored out of his mind watching sheep and occupying his time throwing stones with a sling, he was actually training for a personal battle with a giant.
When he took food to his brothers on the front lines facing the Philistines and heard the voice of a Goliath, he was prepared to take him down. How? Because of his repetition of throwing stones in the pasture, David was confident he could defeat Goliath. Spending time alone with his sheep also meant alone time with God. He never doubted God’s presence when facing the Philistine giant.
Life can be boring sometimes. It also gets turned upside down with problems and unexpected difficulties. Don’t get discouraged through the hard times, but realize God is preparing you for something much bigger that’s coming your way. David wasn’t aware of the fact that every day spent watching his flock and hurling stones through the air was actually God’s way of preparing him for his encounter with the huge man.
God also uses our “sideline” seasons to shape the character we’ll need when He moves us to the frontlines. Everything you have experienced in the past has been preparing you for today. The things we learn today and put into practice are equipping us for our tomorrows.
Like the athlete repeating drills, the gym rat repeating reps, or the musician repeating scales over and over, spiritual growth also comes though repetition. Consistent and faithful obedience over time. It’ s step by step – day by day – rep by rep. As you walk with God, each day He is building your faith, giving you knowledge and developing spiritual strength that you will eventually need at some time in the future.
Destiny isn’t a mystery and neither is living a daily life for Jesus. It’s a DECISION! The ceiling on your intimacy with God and impact upon those around you is dependent upon your daily decisions and disciplines.
Pastor Carnes
