START AND STOP
We’ve often heard the saying: “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”
Indeed, our lives require thoughtful planning. Careful planning undoubtedly offers more certainty than haphazard approaches. Yet, many of us aspire to be “perfectionists,” waiting for conditions to be perfect before daring to take a step or make a move.
However, the Word of God in Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NIV) offers a different perspective:
“Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.”
1. JUST START
“Whoever watches the wind will not plant.”
This metaphorical expression reminds us to not become paralyzed by overanalyzing or contemplating every aspect of a situation. Just as a farmer has no control over the wind, we cannot foresee every outcome in life. Waiting for perfect conditions may lead to missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential.
Often, we hesitate to start—perhaps in responding to God’s call in our lives, starting a new business we’ve dreamed of, enrolling in classes to enhance our skills, or pursuing other endeavors we’ve delayed because of our fear of beginning, our fear that we might fail. We are immobilized by the fear of failure.
But I want to encourage everyone, especially men, to just start! We will never feel fully prepared. What we need to do is JUST START! Begin now! Start small. Do not despise small beginnings (Zechariah 4:10).
2. STOP MAKING EXCUSES
“Whoever looks at the clouds will not reap”
In the second part of the verse, the clouds represent potential obstacles. We often use “clouds,” symbolizing uncertainties and challenges, as excuses to avoid doing what we’re called to do.
Many times, when God calls us to act or places something in our hearts, we delay with numerous excuses. We say,
“I’ll do it when I have more time”
“I’ll do it when I’m more settled”
“I don’t feel qualified”
“I don’t have anything to offer”
“My past is too troubled”
“I’m not worthy”
“I’m too young/old”
or any of the many other excuses that hold us back in life.
What excuses have we been giving God? God is patiently waiting for us to respond to His call.
Abraham was old.
Jacob was insecure.
Leah was considered unattractive.
Joseph was abused.
Moses stuttered.
Gideon was poor.
Rahab was considered immoral.
David had an affair and faced many family problems.
Elijah was suicidal.
Jeremiah was depressed.
Jonah was reluctant.
Naomi was a widow.
John the Baptist was eccentric.
Peter was impulsive and hot-tempered.
Martha worried a lot.
The Samaritan woman had several failed marriages.
Zacchaeus was unpopular and disliked.
Thomas was doubtful.
Paul had poor health.
Timothy was timid.
This showcases a wide array of imperfections. But you know what? Despite those shortcomings, God called and used each one of them for His glory. And He’s ready to use us, too! So, STOP making excuses and start answering His call.
As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.
(Ecclesiastes 11:5-6 NIV)
We may never feel fully prepared, but let’s just start, stop making excuses, and have faith in God!
In His grace,
Jerry Ruslim
(Global Men Coordinator)
