That is because his teacher is working with him with painstaking patience until he has not merely familiarized himself with math, but until he has mastered it. It is rightly said that when you can apply a subject you have studied, you have become a practitioner. When you can teach a subject, you have committed yourself to being a lifelong student of that discipline. True disciples often undergo long periods of dryness and aloneness with God. They learn the art of being hidden in Christ, of abiding moment by moment in his presence, whatever their task and circumstance.
Disciples live for an audience of One.
It is God, and God alone, they live to please. Knowing Him is their end, living in Him is their overriding passion, and bringing Him honor and glory their obsession. Disciples are those who say No to things that are even OK if favor of spending unbroken time with God. They aren't ruled by a fearful legalism striving to earn God's favor, but are instead ruled by an inner drive to cherish the favor they already have with God and will allow nothing to violate their standing with Christ. They do not work to earn the love of God, but strive to abide in that love moment by moment.