Put in the Work

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could blink our eyes and the thing we wished for suddenly appeared? Yeah, it would be nice, but that isn’t reality. Reality demands that we work for the things we want.

I’d like to one day transition into speaking full-time. I’d like to quit my job to travel the country, maybe even the world, speaking to various audiences. I’ve considered the steps I’d need to take to see my dream become a reality. I’ve researching the speaking industry, looked at business cards, and thought about updating my website. Those things are cute, but I have to work harder than ordering business cards. Putting in hard work is the real determinant of how much people want to pursue their goals.

“But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?” (James 2:20).

Hard work can include taking classes or other courses, getting licensed, overcoming self-limiting beliefs, and spending money on conferences, coaches, and other business-related expenses. While we often envision our future selves living the dream, we don’t envision our current selves struggling to make a dream come true. We don’t foresee the discouragement, disappointment, and distress most leaders experience.

I want you to obtain the business, ministry, job/career/promotion, you desire. However, I want you also to know those things won’t come without sacrifice. You’re going to have to work when others are playing. You’re going to have to write, create, plan, etc. while on vacation. While others are splashing in the pool, you may have to work.

“Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit,” (Ecclesiastes 7:8).

The beginning of your venture is exciting, but it also brings doubt and fear. The end of it, when it has come to pass, and you’re enjoying the fruit of your labor, is better. However, you can’t get to the end without the beginning. Go through the process. Take your time and do things correctly. Don’t rush.

“And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of had been spoken to her by the Lord,” (Luke 1:45).

Believe God. Trust Him and stand on His promises. But also put in the necessary work. Start at the beginning and let Him strengthen your business, ministry, career, etc. Let the Lord be its foundation. When you put in the necessary work, ensuring Jesus undergirds your venture, your foundation will be sure, and your end will be better than your beginning.

Until next time,

~Aretha