Don’t Just Do It

by Apples Knapp

When I was in college, I enjoyed my Food Service Management classes. So, it wasn’t long before I applied to be a manager of a fast-food chain in Manila. I remember enjoying the interaction with the customers (except when they were complaining) and the managerial responsibilities of handling people and products. When I was transferred to a different branch in my 2nd year, though, I hated my first few months at the store. I had a boss who was demanding and was used to degrading her people publicly. There were days that I would cry and complain.  I dreaded going back to work after my days off.  I persevered, though.

When I went into full time ministry in 2004, my first project was to open a café in Thailand. It scared me and made me nervous.  Soon, however, I realized that all the things I had learned working under that hard boss at the fast food chain had equipped me more than I knew.  Now that I look back, I see that the experience not only gave me the skills I needed to start the café, but it also developed my character, especially in relating to people.

Whatever you are doing right now, whether you are in school or at work in a secular job or in full-time ministry, keep in mind that it has a bearing on what the Father has in store for you tomorrow. Maybe it is time to stop grumbling and start appreciating what you are doing and learn from it. Don’t just do it to get by.  Do it with excellence and passion. Remember, whatever you are doing is for God and not for your human bosses or family. It may be a small or big responsibility.  Give it your best shot.  This time may be difficult and challenging, but God is teaching you and developing you through these circumstances.  He’s preparing you for the big things that he has in store for you in the future!

Question:
What difficulty are you facing right now?

Action Step:
Take ten minutes right now to pray about it and think about how you are growing from it and what you are learning.  Write that down and put it in your wallet/purse/mirror and look at it whenever you need to remind yourself why you are going through this.