Last week I met with a woman who said something I’ve heard often in fifteen years of online ministry.
“I have a big vision, but I don’t know how to start.”
I remember that feeling from my early years in ministry, and honestly, I know it well right now. Maybe you do too?
Jesus asked in Luke 14:26, “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” I’ve always landed on the last part of His question here. I’ve thought of this question as “don’t get ahead of yourself” or “don’t dream beyond your budget.”
But I often skipped the part of Jesus’ question that says “does not first sit down and count the cost.” In today’s world, sitting down requires intentionality. Visions are easy to love. But counting them? Breaking them down into pieces small enough to take action? That’s a little tougher.
I was a young mom when I first knew that God was calling me to lead others to His Word. I knew through God’s Spirit and His Word that I was supposed to help other people. But I had no clue where to start.
I made an appointment with my pastor and sat across from him, telling him that I believed God was calling me to teach the Bible and help others learn to pray. He told me to drop off my Bible study so he could take a look at it. I was so hopeful. I dropped it off.
Then nothing happened. No doors opened. I was holding on to a calling from God that seemed to have no best next step.
Until my friend and I were talking, and she said, “Rachel, maybe you could start with a blog.” I didn’t even know what a blog was at that time, but it seemed like a small next step I could follow. That blog became a book contract. The book became speaking. The speaking became an online ministry that’s ministered to over a million people through Bible reading plans, prayers, books, and more. I’m so thankful I had a friend who saw a single step that I couldn’t see for myself.
The reason I share this with you is that seventeen years later, I’m still often trying to “count the cost.” I need friends who think differently than I do. I know now that I can’t count the cost alone; I need people around me who can see what I’m too close to see. I need co-laborers in my life who will ask the questions that help turn options into the next right step.
What I didn’t have that first time was strong counsel. “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22
Counsel showed up by grace through a friend back then. But now? I know now not to wait on someone to show up.
I purposefully surround myself with godly, iron-sharpening-iron leaders.
Speak Up Growth Groups is the community where progress happens on purpose. Whatever it is that you can’t break down? You will find other speakers, writers, and leaders to help you take the next step, month after month, finding a rhythm that builds your calling.
If you’re holding on to something you can’t figure out how to start, I hear you. Come and count the cost with people who won’t let you do it alone.
Registration for Growth Groups is now open but only for a limited time! We’d love to have you join us.
About Rachel Wojo
Rachel Wojo is the Speak Up Growth Groups director, author, public speaker, and podcaster who hosts Bible reading challenges on her popular blog. Her biblical approach and life circumstances influence women to find strength and hope in everyday situations. The ideal desperate pray-er to shed light on asking God questions, Rachel’s journey includes losing her mother to leukemia, her adult special needs daughter to a rare neurologically degenerative disease, and her father to illness. She is the author of Desperate Prayers: Embracing the Power of Prayer in Life’s Darkest Moments. Mostly, Rachel is crazy in love with Matt, mom to six on earth and two in heaven. Check out her newest book, Praying Through Life’s Battles. Connect with Rachel here.
