February 7th | Hard Work Is Hard Work

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We all love quick results, but meaningful endeavors rarely deliver instant success. Even after you start the hard work, progress may not come as fast as you’d hoped.

We’ve been exploring how to pursue success here on earth in a way that honors God—placing Him at the center of our ambitions rather than letting our own desires or pride take the lead.

The book of Proverbs is a goldmine of wisdom for anyone with big dreams or goals. It’s my personal favorite in the Bible and one I believe everyone with aspirations should study regularly. Proverbs 15:22 reminds us: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

If you’re like me, you tend to think you know your own ideas and ambitions best. Looking back, I can see how my past failures often stemmed from going it alone—only seeking wise input after things fell apart. The truth is, wise counselors are often closer than we realize. For me, my wife is one of the wisest voices in my life. Yet, like many of us, I’ve sometimes prejudged what others might say and avoided asking, which only sabotages success by keeping plans isolated from objective, realistic truth.

Proverbs 20:18 echoes this: “Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.” The bottom line? Don’t go it alone. Surround yourself with godly counsel.

Of course, the bigger challenge—the “elephant in the room”—is the hard work required. Planning, dreaming, and writing down goals feels exciting and full of possibility. Everything seems within reach when we envision it. But real value comes through diligence, sweat, and persistence. The fun part is the vision; the grind is the daily effort, often boring and unglamorous.

We all love quick results, but meaningful endeavors rarely deliver instant success. Even after you start the hard work, progress may not come as fast as you’d hoped. If you’ve prayed over your dream, sought God’s direction (remember Proverbs 16:2: “All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord”), and planned with Him in mind—then step up and do your part: get to work!

Proverbs 21:5 assures us: “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” And Proverbs 16:3 promises the ultimate foundation: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

Today, let’s recommit our goals to God, seek wise counsel humbly, and embrace the diligent work ahead. When we put Him first, our plans aren’t just ours—they’re established by Him for lasting success.

Establish your plans according to God's will.... then work harder than anyone.