There's a reason why some marriages fail and some marriages succeed. There's a reason why some business get stuck and other businesses grow exponentially. There's a reason why some families live in joy while other families despise one another's presence. There's a reason why some people overcome addictions to porn, alcohol, and other forms of substance abuse and a reason why others stay stuck in the same sin for decades. There's a reason why some churches never get over 50 people and others grow to over thousands in just a few short years. There's a reason why some leaders draw the best people and others can't even attract 1's. There's a reason why some people make millions in a down turned economy and others suffer to pay their bills. There's a reason why some people are grossly over weight and others look like Tony Horton. There's a reason why some people soar and others sink. There's a reason why... You get the idea.
Why do some people think they can violate wisdom? If this path has led to a destination for almost everyone else in the world. Chances are... it's going to lead to the same place for you. I had this thought the last month or so at two conferences. Some people will leave this conference and their churches will be exactly the same one year from now. Others will leave this conference and reach 1,000 new people for Christ in the next 12 months. Why do some people soar and others stay stuck?
Here's a gut check. Have the humility to ask people who are succeeding in any area of life or ministry where you are failing and find out what's different between your life and decisions versus theirs. What do couples who are more in love 60 years down the road do on a week to week basis? What do pastors of the fastest growing churches do with their time? How do they make decisions differently? How do people who are winning with their finances make their decisions? What do parents with godly kids do differently than those who raise hellions? Apply your heart to wisdom and then implement it.
God does not seem to violate the principles of wisdom that He has set in place. Don't be foolish and continue to do the same things expecting different results. You have to change your input. You have to change your choices. Optimism and hope does not lead to a destination of fruitfulness. Wisdom combined with courage consistently over a period of time will yield fruitfulness in your life, your marriage, your relationships and your ministry.
