One of the famous scriptures we’ve often heard instructs us to honor the essence of preparation, and it says; “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” Luke 14:28 ESV
Another version says “If you wanted to build a building, you would first sit down and decide how much it would cost. You must see if you have enough money to finish the job.” Luke 14:28 ETR
It goes without saying that we all need preparation, or rather the understanding of the same, because there is nothing major in life that doesn’t require us to prepare or be prepared.
One of the things that I love from the scripture above is the emphasis on the fact that for any building project, you would have to;
- First sit down
- Decide how much it would cost
- Establish whether you have enough to FINISH the job, not just start.
Figuratively, to sit down is what basically begins the preparation process; the state when it looks like you are not doing anything tangible concerning your vision or dream, but in the background you are laying down the necessary strategies you need to start, sustain and complete what you see. There could be more to explain this, I am just showing us the tip of the ice bag.
Then you weigh yourself, your capacity, capabilities, available resources etc., and if you are a believer like me, the exercising of your faith in the grace, ability and power of God to fulfil his Vision and purpose in and through you. There are things which are totally bigger than us, that even if we counted the cost, without God paying the price, we would never accomplish them and all we have to do is be available for him to do that through us. There are things yet again, which God has believed in us enough to do, by giving to us everything that pertains to life (which may include finances, friendships, our uniqueness etc) and godliness (which may include wisdom, grace, willingness, obedience, peace, anointing etc).
Then finally, the most important conviction in this whole process, is to be sure that you will finish the job; that you will complete it. Not just to start it, but to complete or finish it.
Sounds easier said than done, right?
To be honest, I have been there, and I know how frustrating it is to fail at something, or to start something and it doesn’t get to it’s completion. Ranging from academics, business, relationships and many other aspects of life.
When I look back, I can testify that it has only been by the grace of God that I am still standing, and yet I can still boldly say that I have learnt my lessons, and now am wiser. This does not in any way mean that when such things happen, they make you a failure, but rather they give you another chance to learn, prepare and start better than before.
One thing I have learnt through this process is that the longer you take sharpening the axe, the faster and easier it will be to cut and split the logs; so it doesn’t matter how long it takes you to prepare for whatever you are looking forward to establish, as long as you have aligning whatever is needed in its right place, when your heart is ready with the answers to the major questions, it will be easy to execute and sustain whatever you start, and then to successfully finish.
So ask yourself, what exactly do you need in your preparation process? Is it a book you need to read? Is it the social capital you need to build? Is it time to find yourself so that you are complete and secure before giving yourself to the world? Is it an additional certificate in your academic career to propel you to the next level? Is it separation and solitude for what God is about to do in your life as a minister? Depending on the space you are in.
Whatever it is, please find the time and space to prepare adequately so that when you start, you not only enter the doors of opportunity, but also sustain what you start in those rooms that the doors open to, and consequently complete or finish “the job” well.
Above all, we always remember that sufficiency is not of us, but of God, who has made us able ministers, and also made sure that every detail is for our sake and to our advantage. To Him be all glory, honor and praise.
Stay Blessed.
WiGTyT
