Final Karate Lesson, and "Look eyes."

Daniel's patience has worn very thin by now --- if you are not completely familiar with the story of the movie, he is getting thrashed and bullied on a regular schedule. Embarrassed in front of his new girl friend -- humiliated in front of the whole school. And now he's being duped and taken advantage of by someone that he thought was sincerely offering to help him. Someone who would teach him how to defend himself.

He can't pretend any more. He's hurt and angry. He's disappointed and disgusted. He's lost all respect for his benefactor. He thought that providence had presented him with an advocate --- a Father figure --- a fixer --- a friend.

He quits. He storms towards the door. He's done. Finished.

But Mr. Miyagi will not let him leave. He has to put it together for Daniel. Look at this last clip.

Daniel assumed that all that he was doing was serving Mr. Miyagi. How demeaning. How belittling. How humiliating.

Everything for the Master --- and nothing for the slave, the pupil, the student.

Who could have seen? Who could have known that Daniel was learning Karate, and much, much more.

He was learning Karate --- and he was getting stronger --- and being finely tuned and trained to grow and become a champion and most of all he as gaining character and patience. He was not just being prepared to beat someone up. He was being prepared for something more --- something better and of greater consequence.

Is God teaching you? Are you Learning?

I know that He is teaching you. Are you learning anything? Are you aware of it?

I mean the whole big picture, big lesson?

Don't you wish that God would just beat all of your bullies, defeat all of your foes? He can solve all your problems, resolve all of your conflicts, answer all of your prayers. Heal all of your diseases. Why doesn't He just do that?

Better yet . . . couldn't he just take you right to Heaven ---- right now?

The Karate Kid is a heart-warming, inspiring movie. It is entertaining and enjoyable but it also has a lesson for all of us. A moral.

Do you want to know the message that I got from God while watching this movie?

He said "Wax on, wax off. Sand my floors, paint my fence and my house. Do whatever I ask you to do --- without hesitation and without doubt and question." "Trust me." "Serve me."

"I have a plan for you --- it is my intention to do something good for you." (Jeremiah 29:11)

And here are the words that clinch this lesson for me --- and show me how to apply it --- how to live it -------- "Look eyes . . . . " "Always look eyes."

God does want you to bow to Him ---- but the main thing is ----- always keep your eyes on Him. Always.