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Have You Counted The Cost?

I’m a believer and major advocate of prayer. When I pray, I pray big and bold. But I’m also mindful to check my motives and think very carefully before I ask God for anything more I want to be added to my life because now, I count the cost. 

Luke 14:28 reads, “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everybody who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’ 

I believe this scripture goes beyond the surface level of building a tower. In a spiritual sense, “building” can be applied to a number of different things. If more people really understood what came with what they prayed for, they’d be careful about the kind of requests they sent up to God. I’m happy to share what some of my answered requests have brought so that this may enlighten others…

Lord, I want a full-time job.
Lord, I want a boyfriend/fiancé/husband…on second thought? Never mind. There’s just something massively liberating about being able to stack and spend my income as I please. And traveling when I want, having the luxury to not have to “check in” with anyone about how to spend my time, or deal with unsolicited input about how I choose to dress or tattoo my body and being in my own space. Did I mention I’m happily single? 
Lord, I want to be a published author. 
Lord, I want to encourage others through my gifts. 
Lord, I want to be massively successful…

Know what the requests above all have in common? 
They all cost something. 

They also come with…

Demands on your time.
Demands on your wallet. 
Withdrawals.
Showing up when you don’t feel like it. 
Pressure.
Resisting the urge to be petty or vengeful.
A steady foundation.
Sacrifice.
Commitment.
Haters.
Humbleness.
Insecurity.
Doubt.
Dealing with people who get on your nerves.
Dealing with someone you like/love getting on your nerves.
Fear. 
Failure.
Trials.
Testing.
Patience. 
Discomfort.
Stress. 
Cutting people out of your life that no longer serve a purpose in your life. 
People walking away from you. Especially people you never thought would. 
Purpose.
Fulfillment.
Refining.
Wanting to quit.
Wanting to give up.
More refining. 
Anger.
Frustration.
Pain.
Did I mention even more refining? 
Success.
Joy.
Having to transform into a different version of yourself (prayerfully a better one).
And so much more… 

So, before you go to God and ask Him for anything, make sure you’re prepared for the impact it’ll have on your life. Do you know what will come with building the new life you’re asking for? Are you prepared and ready for it? How’s your foundation? Because a new job, a new significant other, a baby, a new car, a new home, or anything else you ask for and are blessed with will require more from you. Don’t be afraid to estimate the cost. And don’t make major life decisions without first consulting with God. Be very careful what you pray for. Have you counted the cost? 




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