Obstacles

Part of being successful is acknowledging the obstacles in your way, and to the best of your abilities planning for them. There will be unforeseen circumstances, but for the most part we know our challenges. It is important to set realistic goals. It is important to evaluate resources. We must always count the cost. Some journeys require you to travel alone. Some roads are long and narrow. No matter what path you take this year, count the cost. Evaluate and acknowledge your obstacles...so you can overcome them.

Destiny

There’s a viral story circulating about J.K Rowling. She was in abusive relationship, had a miscarriage, was on welfare, and her life had no clear direction. She decided to write a book that was rejected by over ten publishers, but ended up becoming a worldwide phenomenon. She is the author of the Harry Potter series. I’m sure when she was living in the slums of the UK she didn’t see the road to her destiny being paved with failure, loss, and disappointment. Most of us envision a yellow brick road to our destiny. We don’t see how betrayal, heartache, and utter devastation could pave the way to our destiny. I want to encourage you today that no matter what your journey looks like, you are on your path to destiny. It is all preparing you for what’s to come. Don’t give up. Keep on moving. Your destiny lies ahead.

Too Little

We live in extremes. We go from hot to cold. We live in seasons of feast and famine. We teeter totter between wrong and right. The goal is always balance, but that requires preparation. What have we stored up? How do we live in lack? We know how to thrive in abundance, but how do we thrive in too little? The answer is not logical. In every biblical instance of lack and multiplication, there was sacrifice.  When Jesus fed the multitude, it was a boy who gave his last. When the widow was content with death, she gave her last cruse of oil. When Simon Peter was done fishing, Jesus told him to cast out his net. For some of us, the answer of how to thrive in too little is preparation. For others, the answer is sacrifice. Ultimately, we have to give what we have to God and let him multiply it. 

Tribute

When I started my publishing company, it was with the intention that every book, journal, magazine, and card would be a testament to something God has done in my life. A testament by definition is tangible proof. As you take the time to memorialize those who have served this country, remember all the sacrifices that have been made on your behalf. Honor those who have died for you to enjoy freedoms they never experienced. Pay tribute to those who made a way out of no way.

Answered Prayers

My pastor said that, “God answers prayers incrementally.” We expect God to do the big things and forget about the baby steps. We want a house, but our credit is jacked. We want a car, but our license is suspended. We want long life, but have poor eating habits. We have to do the work. We have to be good stewards. We have to be responsible with the talents and blessings he’s already given us. God answers our prayers when we are ready for the responsibility that comes with them, not just because we asked. The key to answered prayers is enduring the process. Show thyself approved. Be in position to be blessed.

Buried Treasure

The Alchemist is one of my favorite books. The main character goes on a journey to find some buried treasure. In the end, he does find it, just not where he thought it would be. Many of us look for treasure where it can’t be found. Many of us bury the gifts and talents that God has given us. We do not take full advantage of all the opportunities that are given to us. Maximize today. Maximize every day, and every opportunity. Dig up those talents and gifts. Brush them off and give them a second try. I implore you to not die a buried treasure.

Don't Give Up!

I know it hasn't happened yet. I know you thought things would look differently. I know you expected a different outcome, but it's not over. You're not over. You're not done. You woke up today. There's still time. You're not too old. Your dream is not out of reach. It's easy to focus on the negatives. It's easy to see what's not going right, but don't give up. No matter what. You are more than capable of making your dreams come true. There are countless examples of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. So, don't give up on your dreams. Don't give up on that relationship. Don't give up on that business. Don't give up on that job. Don't give up on that kid. Don't give up on you.