Ecclesiastes 10:10 NIV

If the axe is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation in life or in ministry where you simply feel like the person Solomon described in the text above looks a lot like you? Cutting a tree down with an unsharpened axe? You’re spending countless hours at your job, or simply trying to be a great parent, husband, or wife. You’re in the ministry God placed you in and you feel like you’re labouring so hard with little progress. You’re investing so much in but not seeing a lot come out!

Although there are situations that require time, perseverance and patience, this may be the best opportunity for you to ask yourself the question: “Does my axe need sharpening?” As 2018 begins, I encourage you to take a few steps back to allow God to sharpen your axe. Take some time in prayer, fasting and in God’s word to ask the Lord to prune you (John 15:2) and surround you with people who will help sharpen you (see Prov. 27:17) so that you would be more effective at what God has called you to do. It was Abraham Lincoln who said: