It is very easy to jump into something that looks or sounds good, only to find out later it was probably not a good idea. There are sound practical and spiritual reasons for thinking a matter through before acting. Doing one’s “homework” is vitally important if the desired results are to be achieved.

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it ?

Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him ,

Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish .

Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand ?

Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace .”

Luke 18:28-32

Before starting a campaign, project or activity one must consider the cost and make sure there is enough time, money and resources to finish the job. Driving around town, it is sad to see homes that sit in a state of partially being built because the owners ran out of money and could not finish the job. I remember vividly many years ago going to a sales meeting at a man’s beautiful home. The trouble was he had sheets on the windows for he was so cash strapped he could not even buy curtains!

Yesterday was my mother-in-law’s 81st birthday. Blest and I had decided to take her to a restaurant we knew of (but never had been to) about 90 minutes away. Because I knew exactly where this place would be, I did not bother to do any research ahead of time as to road construction etc.

I decided (in my own mind without asking God first) to take the “scenic route” along the Mississippi River to the restaurant. This appeared to be an excellent choice for quite awhile until after going through one of the many little towns on the route I saw a police car pull out and turn on his lights. Sure enough, he pulled me over for allegedly going 50 in a 40 mph zone. Talk about ruining a day.

What I will or will not do with the infraction is not the issue. The point is that if I would have taken the time to ask God how to get to the restaurant I am sure he would have told me NOT to take the scenic route due to an overzealous 21 year old rookie policeman. Oh well, live and learn.

As it turns out the normal route to the town where the restaurant was located was closed due to construction. If I would have taken that route we would have been sent on a long detour that would not have been a blessing. Before leaving town a local merchant told me to take a certain route to avoid the detour and the offending little town. It was a beautiful drive and cut the trip home from close to 2 hours down to 1 hour.

Moral of the story; never be in such a hurry or become so complacent that you assume there is no reason to ask the Lord for His wisdom on a matter. Although yesterday turned out to be a blessing for mom, the fun is only beginning for me as I must deal with the consequences of my pride. Oh Lord, when will I ever learn...

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