Some things we only learn by repeatedly doing them. Like our youngest son Isaac learning his timetables today. If he doesn’t repeatedly learn and use his timetables he will be unable to recall them when he needs to, and will therefore struggle to learn and master the concepts he will soon face in maths.
There are many instances where repetition in our lives is actually necessary. If we don’t do some tasks or disciplines in life repeatedly we either lose that knowledge and skill, or we simply don’t have resources when we need them.
From learning our timetables, choosing to consistently eat well and exercise to strengthen and care for our bodies, practicing an instrument, technique and/or ball skills in sport, to reading and learning God’s Word and His ways, the power of repeatedly doing something should not be underestimated.
Sometimes we may feel like it’s boring to repeat something over and over, and this can be true. That’s when we may need to consider whether we need to be creative and “mix it up a little” rather than lose interest and give up, or do we need to just get on with it and do what we know to do.
The question to ask ourselves when faced with a dislike or boredom of repetition is, “will I regret it later if I give up now and stop doing and committing to what I set out to do? Will I regret not learning and repetitively practicing that skill? Will I regret allowing myself to be distracted from reading and spending time with God and His Word? Will I regret and wish I had just stuck to my commitment a year or even five years from now?”
The truth is that most repetitive things in our lives we don’t see the results of straight away. It takes time to build skills, knowledge, relationships and disciplines as part of our lives, but when they are positive the benefits are far reaching, and even life saving.
Just as Isaac is going to benefit from knowing his timetables as he learns more complex maths, we also for example benefit from reading God word and knowing Him. When faced with a decision, difficulty or a need in our lives if we have repetitively and consistently chosen to store God’s Words in our hearts and built a strong relationship with Him we can call upon that understanding, strength and the faith it’s generated whenever we may need it. It’s however difficult to draw from the resources of heaven and our faith if we haven’t bothered to build those things into our lives on a day-to-day basis already.
Today ask yourself, “What things do I want to build into my life? Am I willing to pay the price to consistently, and if need be repeatedly do what I know to do.” “And am I aware and prepared to face the consequences and any regrets if I don’t?”
For what we do every day matters more than what we do once in a while.
Don’t make the mistake of looking back five years from now and wishing you’d stuck to those things you knew you wanted to do and be. Each day ask God to help you be steadfast in your commitments; be creative if you need to be, and just do it!
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. “(Galatians 6:9)
“And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:4)
Prayer: Lord thank you for the power of repetition, and what I can achieve when I remain steadfast. Help me to see the value in repeatedly spending time with you, in reading your Word, and in focusing on the things you have called me to do and be. In Jesus name Amen.
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