Leonard Ravenhill wrote,

Spiritual work is taxing work, and men are loath to do it. Praying, true praying, costs an outlay of serious attention and of time, which flesh and blood do not relish. Few persons are made of such strong fiber that they will make a costly outlay when surface work will pass as well in the market. To be little with God is to be little for God. To cut short the praying makes the whole religious character short, skrimp, and slovenly. (A Treasury of Prayer compiled by Leonard Ravenhill, pg. 119)

Have you ever thought of spiritual work as hard work? Spiritual work generally, and prayer specifically requires intense focus, anchored in devotion to God. In the distracted age we live in, it is more difficult than ever to focus as we should on eternal matters. Our flesh resists serious attention and the time required.

Yet we know as Christians, intuitively, that if we do not put in the work and our devotion to God is small, our usefulness to Him will also be small. Spiritual usefulness flows out of character, and character is built through time with God and in His Word. God works through people who surrender to Him and desire to know Him more deeply and serve Him more faithfully.

If you are not using your time as effectively as you could for spiritual work, what are the hindrances which are holding you back? Could you make some important adjustments in your life and in stewardship of what God has entrusted to you to change and be more effective?

Help us Lord, to work hard in the things which truly matter!