Lessons from the Shed
This past summer I took on the necessary project of re-building our storage shed. Many are the lessons learned from this experience which do also apply in our spiritual lives—and vice versa; God teaches us through His Word how to deal with situations that will arise!
A storage shed is a small building used to store things you might only use occasionally, or for specific outdoor use (like a lawn mower, saw, etc.).
Everyone in our park has a shed, and we are required to keep them in good condition. That is, they should be sturdy and well-painted. Our shed was not meeting these requirements, though we were not yet under scrutiny from the park owners.
The paint was not only peeling, but the outer plywood walls were rotting badly. In several places, with a bit of determination, I could have broken into it with my bare hands! This is not at all good for safety in storing things! Really, at the time we were addressing this situation, the shed was well past due for attention.
In approaching this project, we see a first lesson from scripture; counting the cost.
For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Luke 14:28-30
Financial cost was really the first reason for doing it myself; rather than hire someone, or purchase a new shed. I estimated a savings of at least $300-500; though the actual cost was still considerable. But there was also a cost in the time invested, which also had to be allowed for. Spiritually, following Christ requires the cost of giving our lives. This is the nature of the entire passage in Luke 14, beginning in verses 26-27.
If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:26-27
As we were planning the time of the shed remodeling, it was October. It was decided to wait until the next spring and summer; the months of May through July. The weather would be far more workable, but mainly we were hoping to be better off financially. This did not work out. When the time came to begin, we had many stresses; and the money we had hoped for was not there. Yet the project had a certain demand, and we had to go forward.
One aspect that was very difficult for me had to do with patience. My mind began to turn with thoughts and plans of the project, and my desire was to throw myself into it headlong and get it done! It couldn’t be like that this time, for this project. This had to be planned in steps; each one leading to another. A bit like a jigsaw puzzle. Having time to work on it was one factor—but decent weather was also needed, and this could only be addressed by prayer!
God’s blessing, and wisdom regarding the weather were absolutely crucial. During the months I worked, thunderstorms were often forecasted. The Lord told me to forge ahead, step-by-step, and “roll” with the punches. Every day was covered well in prayer first, of course. Only two times did the weather send me packing, and neither time was there any negative effect on the building from the rain (which was brief). I even worked again after the rain, somewhat.
So the remodel was to go ahead. Much more detailed plans were needed. This remodel was to do the inside as well as the outside of the shed; and there were the items from the shed to be stored while it was being worked on—where would they go? Especially if the work were being done over a period of time, security of the “shed” items was a big concern.
All glory to God for His wisdom! I decided to do the inside of the shed first—storing most things in a spare room, but leaving the big things in the shed, and simply moving them outside temporarily when needed. The inner design of the shed created plywood walls within—which also added a secure barrier when the outside wall was torn away.
Before beginning the project, I needed to evaluate if I could do it, and how to approach it. I had decided that the shed roof was still very good. Also, I hoped to use the existing frame to simply tear off the old, and fasten on the new plywood.
Indeed, this is the plan I went with—but the frame of the shed was quite rotten. Of the very bottom boards on the foundation, I replaced about 75%--and probably should have done 90%! The side boards that supported the walls also needed help—6 full 7 foot boards were added, and about half of the existing boards had to have parts replaced. Especially the bottom of the frame had experienced rotting. I thank the Lord for having provided tools and know-how to deal with these problems.
To plan out such a project also requires taking time to consider all the shed’s problems—to not only correct them, but to prevent them from happening again.
The inside of the shed had storage issues. The amount of space wasn’t the problem, but rather how it was being used. I had previously added some shelves, but they were built around what was already there. More and better organized storage space was created by adding more shelves that were not as deep—after tearing out all of the old. Of course, the old shelf material was still quite good, and it was generously used in building the new ones.
Putting plywood walls inside may not have seemed a necessity to some people. Yet the inner studs were aged; and therefore dark, and ugly. Dealing with those wall divots around the studs would also lend to many cobwebs—and additional cleaning.
Plywood brightened the overall inner appearance, and yielded much more usable wall space. It was also easier to use, and provided natural grain to drive screws into. Of course, it was also an additional security barrier, which was an unforeseen side benefit.
As I was building the inner walls, I needed to cut off 12 inches from each plywood board. Each board is 8 feet long, and they needed to be 7 feet. During the cutting, I mistakenly cut one board twice—making it 12 inches too short! Getting another board would be expensive, so I decided to use it anyway; piecing the extra cut piece together with the main board.
This turned out to be a tremendous blessing! I had placed the 12 inch cut piece on the bottom to be less noticeable—but I later needed to access this area to help with attaching the outside walls. Having a smaller piece like that on the wall made access easy. Our God loves to bring glory to His name, even through our imperfections. The weaker we are, the more we need Him! And all the glory is seen more completely as belonging to Jesus Christ.
With a few adjusted plans, the inside went quite smoothly. However, I could not entirely finish the section near the door until I knew how the outside would be.
The outer walls/trim were much more time taking and challenging. This area in particular was where I had to note previous problems, and avoid them in the future. The issues were; (1) The roof only extended to the sides of the shed, with no overlap. Therefore the rain which fell on the roof also ran onto the sides on the building; as you would expect, the walls were most rotted in the middle of the two sides. (2) The foundation of the shed is actually lower than ground level in about a 10-foot section; and another 10 feet was overgrown from plants. This was the primary cause of the extensive rotting along the base of the shed. (3) Where the electrical line comes into the shed, the wall was not sealed up well. (4) The shed door did not fit well within its opening. It was large and heavy, difficult to open/close, and had major compromising gaps. (5) As a result of some of the previous problems, various “critters” had invaded. Spiders, bees, crickets, and mice all found their way inside very easily! Though none of these are dangerous, it could be quite unsettling—especially when the big crickets would jump out suddenly!
It was only fitting to note all these problems before remodeling; in order to prevent the same difficulties from repeating themselves in the future. It is indeed the nature of things here to deteriorate—but we can also do many common sense things to slow down that disintegration.
The work on the outer shed walls/trim had numerous challenges; but first we’ll look at the solutions to the previously mentioned problems.
1) For the rain running off of the roof, and deteriorating the sides of the shed, I determined to put spouting on each side to carry away the water. My wife knew that her father was shortly having all of his spouting replaced; and we asked if we could use some of the old spouting. This was a great asset, and probably saved at least $20.
2) The base board rotting was resolved by digging out away from the foundation and making a trench. The plants were trimmed away 8-10 inches from the foundation; roots were dug up, and bricks were placed to help prevent the plants from growing close again. Both areas will require some small maintenance to keep the solutions effective.
3) The electrical line opening was sealed as tightly as possible from both the inside and outside; first with board pieces, then with caulk for the remaining small gaps. Praise God, this area is now very well-sealed!
4) Much time and attention was devoted to the shed door, and it was the last part of the outer walls to be replaced. The door opening was shrunken 8 inches. Inner trim (used for screws) was minimized, and I used a smaller type board than before. New hinges were a given, and a rubber door sweep was installed at the bottom. The wooden steps on our deck were also remodeled, allowing 2-3 inches of greater opening for the door.
The door is now far lighter, well-sealed, and easy to open. That is, it was, until we ran into a good bit of moist and humid weather! The wood swelled some, making it almost impossible to open. A one-fourth inch adjustment was made with the trim, and all became well again—and still is. I think the door came out so well because there was so much focus on it; the area was such a problem, and doing a door stretched my experiential expertise. There was much prayer and consideration given to it; and the work was done deliberately, not hurriedly.
5) With all of the previous issues taken care of, the insects are no longer a problem. There is no room for mice to get through; and only very small very determined bugs have any chance to make it!
Yet the outside of the shed brought forth many other challenges. One main concern was for transporting the plywood. We needed 11 sheets of half-inch, 8 feet by 4 feet pressure treated plywood for the job. This is not even including the two dozen or so boards needed for trim on the outside, but they are easier to transport.
Earlier in the year, we had a need for another car. The right selection turned out to be a station wagon with a luggage rack. This was just suited for the purpose of moving the plywood, and I then needed only to purchase the sheets immediately needed. Without this transportation source, we likely would have spent $40-50 more just to bring the wood home!
All the plywood and trim had to be painted, and this was most easily done before installation. So this also took time and planning. My plan of attack was to do the most difficult side first; allowing two days to tear off the old, and install the new. Painting was separate from this.
Then I did the back and other side in about the same time as the difficult side, with about another two days for the front of the shed (with the door). Again, painting was done usually several days in advance of the work, before the renovation part. I wound up painting the plywood, but Jamie did most of the trim.
It was easier to do the outside renovation in three stages—rather than tear off all, and then replace all. The “window” for good weather didn’t have to be large, and neither did my available time for working on it. It also provided better security for the shed and its contents.
So why was the difficult side of the shed difficult? Because it is within 3 inches of our oil tank! It takes up about 4 feet of the 10 foot side, right in the middle, and about half of the height! We often had to stand on it to work; but the biggest challenge came in attaching the plywood to the baseboards, because it was totally inaccessible from the outside.
This is where my “miscut” piece of plywood handily paid off! It was not difficult to remove, and I then had access of attaching the base of the outside plywood. Jamie, however, had to stand on the oil tank, and use a long board as a lever—applying pressure in the area we needed to fasten.
As you can imagine, the oil tank made the tearing off and rebuilding quite a challenge—which is why I did that side first, and allowed two whole days for it. It actually took about 7 hours the first day, and only 3 or so the next. The experience of working on the first side really made the next two sides easier. But again, the unforeseen obstacles bit hard. The other side of the shed, the base boards, were extremely rotted. Not only did this take much time to cut away and replace, but it required moving items inside the shed to unattach the inside walls. And it left some very aching back muscles to help my memory! The caulk inside also had to be cut, and re-done later. One thing leads to another, and the work multiplies!
Because of the rotting board issue, I not only cut away and replaced the bad; but reinforced each of the four corners with an additional stud. Previously, each corner had only one—now they have two! This also gives additional strength for attaching boards, and it closes up the gaps better at a place where boards meet. All trim and notable spaces received ample caulk/silicone to keep moisture and insects out—and to increase the bonding strength of the screws used to attach the boards.
The wood “peaks” in the front and rear of the shed perplexed me, as far as how to recreate them. There were adequate scrap pieces of plywood for the task—the problem as that in using what was available, the wood grain would not be all running the same way. This is a visual aesthetic (it wouldn’t look right) issue, rather than one concerning function. After much prayer and reasoning, I decided to use what I had; instead of paying a lot extra for another board, just to give it that “professional” look. I had prayed extensively for guidance over this shed area; with no firm conclusion for a plan of attack. What I did do was release it to the Lord, and trust Him that all would be well…
And it was very well! Each “peak” area needed 3 pieces of plywood, and was bounded with 5 pieces of trim. Between the small areas of plywood, the trim, and the paint, you do not notice the differing wood grain without looking intently. Only people with that type of training would ever notice.
Warping boards are another normal, painstaking element of woodwork. Big sheets of plywood were the most difficult, and Jamie wasn’t always available to help. Clamps were used for warped trim; pulling it into place before attaching it with screws.
As I came to the end, I moved that big old shed door around several times (when it was whole—before tearing it apart). Whatever I came in contact with gave me a bad rash (where skin had touched it); the real culprit went unnoticed at first…when I later observed the door where it lay, and began dismantling it, I saw the menace—ants. These small ants had built a nest within the shed door, under some of the big boards which were used. I did not see any ant crawl on me, and we have no dangerous types of ants around here. I theorize that instead, the ants had tracked some type of poison back and forth during their journeys. What a pain!
The cost of redoing the shed turned out to be considerably more than I had first thought; and the work required was far greater. Yet this issue was vital and complying with it was out of my hands. Whatever it took, it had to be done.
Then of course there was the cleanup of the old building. The material had to be cut down in size to manageable pieces, to be taken away with the trash. This effort took a good deal of time. And of course during the heat of summer, one has to remember to take breaks for your health—along with drinking plenty of water.
We are incredibly blessed to have Jesus Christ as our savior—and to be so well provided for, through the gift of His Holy Spirit (John 14:16). There is no salvation possible to mankind beyond the provision which God Himself makes available (Mark 10:26-27; John 14:6). Our lives must flow from Him, as we learn to depend upon Him completely. In this light, every bit of the work done to our shed contains principles which also “cross over” in spiritual application.
So what are some of these “cross-over” lessons? We have already mentioned the first one of counting the cost; reflected in Luke 14:28-30.
As we then waited for a better time of renovation (money and weather), it was good to employ the principle of “waiting on the Lord” (Isaiah 40:31). It is always right to do this, though we may not understand where it brings us to!
In this case, it was to depend on God for His strength, and not ourselves. We could by obedient action (James 1:25) depend on the Lord’s sufficiency; knowing full well that our God is able. Like a muscle, faith must be exercised to strengthen.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. I Corinthians 10:13
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. II Corinthians 12:9-10
Even more patience was required once the project was underway. Much of the work I needed to do was new for me, so there was a time cost due to a learning “curve.” Also, the project was large enough that considerable time was required to complete it adequately. In reflection, the time investment was approximately 80 hours; two weeks’ worth of full-time work (but my labor was free!). Good things do take time, and God’s Word reflects this.
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. Luke 8:15
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1
Dependence on God, every step of the way, is critical to the believer. When it came time to work, and forge ahead with the project, I depended on Christ—the true source of all knowledge and wisdom (Colossians 2:3). I claimed God’s promise to give wisdom to those who ask Him. I also depended on Him as creator; and turned our safety and weather concerns to Him first thing every day. I love my Lord, and all of life would be meaningless without Him!
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Philippians 4:6
In doing the shed’s interior first, it was in keeping with the Bible’s teaching of the inner man; rather than merely outward appearance. Many is the man/woman who has tried to amend their own behavior—mostly a change of outer habit (eating, drinking, driving, etc.). True change comes from the inside; and all eternal and lasting change comes through God (Ephesians 2:8-9).
But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. I Samuel 16:7
And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: Ezekiel 11:19
For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Mark 7:21
When re-doing the shed on the inside, I tore out the old system altogether. This is consistent with the transformation that occurs when a person comes to true salvation through Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 5:17). No matter our public status, or works we have accomplished, none of it will last—and is not of any value, unless our souls are first redeemed through Jesus’ blood. We must be found in Him, built by Him.
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: Philippians 3:7-9
Perhaps you will recall the miscut plywood? Little did I know how helpful such a mistake could be! God was helping me, though at first I couldn’t see this. He really is faithful, and will work all things for our good. And ultimately the Lord gains much more glory due to our weaknesses—for then His own power can shine through!
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. II Corinthians 4:7
Before beginning the remodeling work, I spent time noting problems with the old shed’s design. These would have to be corrected in order to avoid the same shortfalls with the new. The Bible also gives us this in principle for our daily lives.
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul. Proverbs 16:17
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. Proverbs 22:3
This project was mostly work through my hands. But there is a necessity to lean on others (in the body of Christ) given to us by God. It is really the Lord Himself extending a hand to help; through one of His obedient vessels (II Corinthians 1:3,4). My wife and father-in-law both aided me significantly.
But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. I Corinthians 12:18-21
Dealing with the shed’s foundation was vital. Once it was repaired/replaced, great care needed to be taken to ensure that such corrosion could not readily happen again. As believers we much take care to build a sure spiritual foundation. We can stand sure only upon God’s Word (Matthew 7:24-25). The Bible consistently instructs us in this way throughout the whole time of its writing.
Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates: Deuteronomy 11:18-20
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Psalms 1:2
Replacing the door to the shed was a huge success—largely because of all the attention given to it. As believers, we need to make effort in fervent prayer (James 5:16). If there are sinful areas we struggle with, we must turn to God in prayer over and over—nailing our sin to the cross every day. I cannot trust in my own strength to deliver me; and must be humble enough to repent, and admit my need for God’s divine deliverance.
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. I Corinthians 10:12
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
Since I had never done this exact work before there were new things to learn from the very start. The oil tank side of the shed, done first, provided invaluable experience for the remaining work. God also prepares us this way, moving us forward in Him once we have been strengthened to be ready. The Lord shows us that He also prepared David in this fashion.
And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee. I Samuel 17:34-37
As previously mentioned, much more re-building work had to be done than I had thought beforehand. The devil will fight us in any way allowed, and he delights in the “sneak attack.” Our God warns us of this, and builds our faith through it.
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans 5:3-5
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. II Timothy 4:2
Though this type of project was new to me, I was still aware of others’ perceptions. This is why the “wood grain” issue brought concern—but beyond what others might think, there was no practical reason to really consider. God is the same way; working in His might in each of His children, to make them “peculiar” for Himself (Deuteronomy 14:2, Titus 2:14). Even when not knowing how to proceed, the Lord urged me to go forward in faith and trust.
And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. Luke 16:15
For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. John 12:43
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
Following the Lord’s wisdom is wonderful! Others may advise you as they think best—but our God KNOWS what is best! He challenges us to seek and follow Him first, and not merely accept the advice of those “learned” people around us. By leaning on Him, the “wood grain” issue became no issue. Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus…
For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; I Corinthians 1:26-27
The ants, and whatever gave me the rash, were small and unknowable. Our enemy works this way, as well. Satan tries to deceive us as to the problem and its nature; when in fact, it is him working behind the scenes.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12
Still, there is often a visible price to be paid for our spiritual gains. We may account for these as “growing pains,” or as the discipline given by our Father (Heavenly). Either way, sore muscles and an itchy rash were an unpleasant price paid for an overall improvement. Growing in Christ will take us out of our comfort zone!
And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Hebrews 12:5-11
We were required by rules to deal with the shed’s condition. Each one of us will account to God for our spiritual condition; and how we have handled the gift of His son, Jesus Christ—our only way of salvation (John 14:6). So each one of us has a spiritual rebuilding “project” that we are responsible for, and we can’t escape it. The value of this outcome is beyond measure; so let everyone approach it with due diligence.
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:24-26
To the redeemed of Christ, our lives should be growing into perfection. Heirs of a sure salvation (Romans 8:1); imperfect, but still not excusing sin (I John 1:9, 2:4). This correlates to the “clean-up” of the old shed material. Both “clean-ups” take time and effort.
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Philippians 3:12-15
We also must not be so caught up in the Lord’s work, that we neglect our spiritual health (or physical). Even as the shed work created the need for rest breaks, food, and water; so we need to be replenished of the Lord for His work, and our daily spiritual lives. It must be the Holy Spirit working through us to be of any real value.
But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed. Luke 5:15-16
Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. John 4:10
Every day, in each of our lives, we should employ the directives shown to us through scripture (KJV only). In whatever happens daily in our lives, and in our responses, we should reflect our adoption through Jesus Christ. Let us continually ask God for greater spiritual insight, to better reflect Him who has called us.
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. II Corinthians 4:18