Luke 14:28
For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
Great accomplishments are achieved in the preparation; the great success is only a result of the preparation. Too many people don't want to give the tedious time to prepare, but success is found in preparation. Certainly, there is no fun in preparation, but we love the results of preparation. Championships are won in the workout room and the practice field; what is achieved on the field is a result of the effort on the practice field. Many pastors want to have a great and growing church, but they don't want to take time to prepare to have one. Many ministry workers want to have a great ministry, but they don't want to take time to prepare to have a great ministry. Certainly, a great work habit is essential to great success, but a great work habit without great preparation leads to wasted effort. No matter what you try to accomplish, you will waste your time and energy if you don't take time to prepare.
God says that the man who INTENDS to build a tower must first count the cost it takes to build it; otherwise, he will fail in his attempt. You can intend to do something, but many intentions have failed because they avoided the steps that turn intentions into reality and success. There are four steps you must take if you will turn your intentions into success.
First, you must have a vision. People without a vision are sure to go nowhere. Vision gives you a destination to push yourself towards. Vision gives you direction to know where you are going and what you want to accomplish. If you have no vision, you are sure to go nowhere. Whatever you intend to do, you must have a vision of the end product to turn intention into success. This does not mean that your vision will not grow, because many have enlarged their vision as they started towards it. However, you must have a vision of what you want to do at the onset if you are to turn intention into success.
Second, you must take time to prepare. Preparation is one of the great secrets of success. Many have failed to prepare, and their failure to prepare led to their demise. Preparation is critical to help you deal with the unexpected. If you prepare for the expected, you will be prepared to deal with the unexpected. The unexpected will happen; therefore, preparation helps you to finish what you expect so you are not overwhelmed when the unexpected happens.
Third, you must work hard to turn intention into success. Nobody has seen great success without a great work ethic. A great work ethic always takes you further than talent. You may not be as talented as others, but you can go further than the talented by outworking them. The harder you work, the more successful you will become. Work hard at the plan that has been implemented from the time of preparation, and you will find your vision will start to become a reality.
Fourth, you must sacrifice to turn intention into success. Successful people had to sacrifice pleasure to turn their vision into reality. You cannot find success without sacrifice. If you are not willing to sacrifice pleasures that keep you from success, you will never find success. If you could play your way to success, everyone would be successful, but those who turned intention into success are those who sacrificed, worked hard, prepared, and had a great vision.
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