Enthusiastic Effort

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do with your might; for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.” Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NRS)

There was one day of the seminar remaining and Wayne was almost free. He had spent the past week attending session after session, but now his energy was waning. He imagined himself enjoying the freedom of a long nap. But like all the other conferees, he trudged through the conference hall doors and found a seat. What else was there to learn here?

Wayne prayed, “Lord, give me the energy to stay awake. Help me to listen and learn what I am supposed to do with my life.” He prayed all through the session. He continued to pray as he traveled home. Maybe he could find another seminar that would enlighten him. Perhaps he should have the church elders anoint him and lay hands on him in prayer. A month later, was still praying. It finally dawned on him: perhaps he should focus his energies on doing what he already knew to do.

It wasn’t exactly how Wayne had envisioned getting his answer, but it was the right thing to do. Some lessons can only be learned by doing.

Dear Father, thank you for your work on our behalf. Empower our abilities with strength and energy. Enable us to be enthusiastically active where you have placed us. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Be strong and courageous today with enthusiastic effort,