Years before I started writing devotional, there had been requests for me to do it. One of my close friends would say; “Pastor Demola, you have a teaching ministry, I believe a lot of people would love to be blessed by your insightful teachings daily”. Well, I did not yield to the request until I knew God would have us do it. And most importantly, until I knew I was ready for it. I needed to count the cost.
Friend, one way to fight the abortive spirit is to count the cost before you venture into things. It is not a sign of wisdom to start something because of the euphoria of starting (Mark 4:16-17). The euphoria of starting is not enough to get the job done; it must be balanced with the commitment to continue and to finish.
“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sits not down first, and count the cost, whether he has sufficient to finish it” (Luke 14:28)? The emphasis here is; …”sufficient to finish it.” You don’t start until you are sure you would give it what it takes to finish it. Interestingly, you are not required to have what it takes to finish; materially, financially etc. You are only required to consider if you would see to it that you finish it.
There would be times that the resources are not coming. There would times you don’t feel like writing. There would be times you don’t feel like going to work or business. There would be times you don’t feel like doing marriage again. As a pastor, there would be times you don’t feel like preaching or pastoring. People of destiny don’t live by their feeling; they are driven by their conviction (2 Corinthians 5:7).
“Say to Archippus, ‘Remember the work that the Lord gave you to do. You must be careful to finish it completely'” (Colossians 4:17). Finishing is winning. God has not promised that it would be easy, He has only assured you that it would be possible. If you are ready to work, God would work with you. He will supply the needed grace and strength to continue and finish what you have started (Acts 26:22).
Count the cost before starting anything. Don’t start what you cannot finish or better still, make up your mind to finish whatever you start. Those who look back are not fit for destiny (Luke 9:62). Ascertain the will of God before any journey. Get your conviction right and go all the way. Conviction is the secret to commitment and consistency.
© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria