There is wisdom in counting the costs before embarking on a project. We should make sure that we have the funds available, expertise needed, friendly assistance, and energy to complete the work. Failure to properly evaluate these factors and gather the resources will inevitably lead to frustration and embarrassment.
Many years ago, my wife and I bought a house. This house had an outdated and ugly kitchen. Who paints their kitchen cabinets peach color? My father in law offered to remodel the kitchen by building new cabinets. He gave me one condition, which was that I help him do all the woodworking. He was quite skilled and could easily do the work. I, on the other hand, had no woodworking knowledge or ability. As most do-it-yourself remodels go, this one seemed to go on forever. We worked on it most nights and weekends. I quickly ran out of steam, while also bruising many body parts. I had not accurately counted the costs of my involvement in the project. The project took longer because my father in law insisted that I do most of the work, in order that I learn some of the necessary skills.
At times God will call us to do some good work. We may doubt our ability, resources and knowledge to do what He asks. That’s alright because He has already counted the costs and gathered the necessary resources. II Corinthians 9:8 says, “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” If God leads us to do a good work, He will provide the resources, knowledge and power to do it in His abundant grace. He has counted the cost and provided what we need in His grace before even speaking to us. His grace will be sufficient, ready for anything, and always available.
Reluctant Retiree 