Wax On, Wax Off

Sand the floor. Wax on, wax off. Paint the fence.

Daniel thought it was nonsense, a waste of his time: the mundane, the pain, the long-suffering. But when Mr. Miyagi threw punches, Daniel LaRusso’s training kicked in. He was prepared, even though he didn’t know it. His muscles had already done the hard work, all that was needed was the opportunity.

I assume most people (especially in my generation) are familiar with The Karate Kid. Mr. Miyagi’s wisdom, patience, and life lessons stand up against the test of time. I don’t know how many times I have watched this movie, too many to remember. However, we watched it yet again, sharing it with our boys.

“I always appreciated Mr. Miyagi, but I appreciate him now, as an adult, even more,” my husband said as Miyagi gave his timeless and apt advice.

Two years ago, Stefan and I both lost our jobs at the same company. At the time it was definitely scary, however I felt peace throughout the ordeal. Stefan had two job offers pretty quickly, even ones that allowed me to stay home. God provided. He did the unimaginable for me at that time, which was to allow me to stay home with my boys. As soon as we got the news we were losing our jobs, I knew it was a God thing, and that He was answering my prayer.

Now, it has been three months of Stefan being out of work and he still hasn’t found a job. This time is certainly a different situation. It happened much faster and with many other things going on. It’s also been very disappointing, over and over again.

Sand the floor.

We know God is good.

Wax on, wax off.

We know God provides.

Paint the fence.

We know He has a plan.

Our spiritual muscles are prepared. I am not saying it is easy. And I am definitely not saying we are “super spiritual” or perfect. But when I feel the doubts creep in, I can look back and see what God has done. Would He have brought us through all this just to abandon us?

I know His Word is true: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT

We can scoff and dismiss the mundane, wish away the hard times, but these are what build our faith. This is what prepares us for the even more difficult times. No matter what this world does to us, we know Jesus has overcome.

Stay tuned for the rest of the story. It hasn’t been written yet, but I know the gist: God is faithful.

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8