In the book of Luke, Jesus warned that we must always "count the cost" of any project before we begin. The question that may be disturbing you tonight is, how can you know what unexpected costs will come up? The things you anticipate and plan for are never what make a project fail; it's the unforeseen that can destroy it. If you are struggling with a failing endeavor, you may be quite perplexed. "I know this ministry was the Lord's will," you say. "What happened?"

Suddenly anxieties, financial cares and personal conflicts all replace your confidence in a miracle-working God. How will you ever pull through? When we look at both the beginning and the end of Jesus' "count the cost" teaching, we find a key which may give you rest. He says, "don't begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first getting estimates and then checking to see if he has enough money to pay the bills?...So no one can become my disciple unless he first sits down and counts his blessings - and then renounces them all for me" (Luke 14:28, 33, TLB).

I believe God is saying that if the unexpected comes up after you have already counted the cost, review your blessings! See if there isn't something you may be overlooking that you already have possession of that will allow you to overcome this situation. Without realizing it, you may be sitting on all the resources you need to get the job done!

Heavenly Father, I thank You for the opportunities You have placed before me. Help me to not only count the cost of pursuing them but to count my blessings daily and to see new avenues of talents and resources that You have already given me. I know You will never demand more than I have to give. I give it all to You now with joy, knowing I will continue on. In Jesus' Name, Amen.