Countdown to Rest

Exodus 34:21 –“Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even in plowing time and in harvest time you shall rest.”
    One of my friend’s and I have been contemplating the parameters of ‘work’ as they relate to our life’s purpose and calling. One of our discussions paralleled the sentiment expressed in today’s scripture. Many focus on the soothing thought of the ‘rest’ that is referred to at the end of the text; but our discussion centered on the heart of the matter – the work. It states that 6 days we will labor; giving our best; following our plan; executing our strategies; nose to the grindstone; eyes on the prize and full steam ahead. It is not until we have put in the work can we look to the benefit of the ‘rest’.
    As I watched the James McDonald ministry telecast yesterday he referenced a book entitled “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell. Gladwell surmised that successful people put in on the average about 10,000 hours of ‘work’ to accomplish goals. Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Julio Jones, Serena Williams, Misty Copeland all have talent, but they still had to put in hours and hours to perfect their talents into success. It is my contention that the time they spent did sharpen their skills – but the use of their talents during those devoted hours developed confidence and a true relationship with God. These two factors together solidified their success potential and accelerated its manifestation. There are many who can try and try and try but will not get the same outcome. Time must be married with talent. What is your talent and how much time do you sacrifice for it? Are you putting in too much work in the wrong areas?
     As we do the work and use our gifts God reveals himself through us in greater ways of achievement. We get better at what we do not just because we practice, but because of our obedience to the ‘work’ - God opens our gifts to higher levels of expression. It is my charge to you as we open up the beginning of this week to continue the work of ‘perfecting’ your talents through their use. Do not grow weary; lose heart; get depressed or slow down because progress seems slow…just remember its only 10,000, 9,999, 9,998, 9,997 to go!
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Don’t be distracted; stay focused on your purpose. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn