I read somewhere recently about the life and times of Usain Bolt as an Olympic medalist. The story read that Usain Bolt won 8 gold medals in 3 Olympics and ran for less than 115 seconds. He earned 119 million dollars. But for those 2 minutes, he trained for 20 years.

Friend, before every rising, there must first be a sitting. Did you notice that Jesus’ 3.5 years of ministry took him about 30 years of preparations? It seems like the longer the preparation the better the manifestation (2 Chronicles 27:6, Luke 3:23). Champions are not made on the ring, they are only discovered on the ring.

As Christians, the Bible describes us as; a farmer, an athlete and a soldier (2 Timothy 2:3-6). All of these speak of the level of preparations that must be put into what we do. A farmer is known for hard work, consistency and patience (James 5:7). A soldier is known for perseverance and stamina (2 Timothy 2:3). An athlete is known for discipline and preparations (1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 2 Timothy 2:5).

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sit not down first, and count the cost, whether he has sufficient to finish it” (Luke 14:28)? Your destiny is a tower-like destiny, not a mud house. A lot of thinking, planning, labours and consistency are expected if you hope to achieve lasting success.

Sometimes when you see how some people engage their life and work, you can tell what they are up to. It was Abraham Lincoln who said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” This is the kind of mindset we should carry into life. Those who plan and engage life on a long term basis have the more likelihood to achieve lasting success than those who do not.

“Prepare your work without, and make it fit for yourself in the field; and afterwards build your house” (Proverbs 24:27). Lay a solid foundation for your success in your life and enterprise before engaging in fun and pleasure. Those who live a life of pleasure always end up in pressure (1 Timothy 5:6). If you want to rise in manifestation, you need to first sit in preparation.

© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria