Proverbs 20:4 (NLT)
“If you are too lazy to plow in the right season, you will have no food at the harvest.”

The Timing of the Toil

It is not enough to simply “work hard”; you must work in the right season. You cannot demand a harvest in the fall if you were too comfortable to plow in the spring. We often want the result without the lead time. You can’t do ten sit-ups today and expect a transformation this afternoon! Breakthroughs, degrees, and promotions are the “harvest” of seeds that were planted and tended months, or even years, ago.
If you desire to see a change or an improvement, you must get to work now as if there is no tomorrow. Operate with a work ethic that says “it’s up to me,” while maintaining a faith that knows “it’s all up to God.” Work like no one is going to help you, and then watch God bring an increase that is far greater than anything you could have imagined.

The Practice:

Engineering the Breakthrough

1. The Power of One
Identify the goal you are seeking. Notice I said “goal”—singular. We often fail because we bite off more than we can chew, and the weight of our ambitions becomes overwhelming. Select one thing, conquer it, and let that accomplishment fuel your next success. Small wins build the momentum for big breakthroughs.
2. The Paramount First Step
This seems trivial, but it is actually the most difficult part of the process. Nothing happens if nothing happens. Get out of the bed, open the book, make the schedule, or set the meeting. The longest journey still requires the first step, and then the next, and then the next. Don’t wait for “inspiration” to strike; start moving, and the inspiration will find you on the road.
3. Work Smarter, Not Just Harder
Get wise counsel about the “What” and the “How.” Wisdom is not a substitute for work; it is the accelerant for it. Working smarter means ensuring you are doing the right work for the right reasons. Seek out venerable people who have already harvested what you are currently planting. Let their hindsight be your foresight.
4. The Daily Mental Refresh
Freshen your mind daily. Write down your goal and the benefits of achieving it—but also write down the consequences of doing nothing. Keep them visible. Your mind needs to be reminded of why the “plow” is necessary when the sun is hot. Remember: God will not do for you what He has already empowered you to do for yourself.

Today’s Declaration:

“I am resigning from the ‘Season of Excuses’ and entering the ‘Season of the Plow.’ I refuse to wait for a harvest I haven’t worked for. I am choosing my singular goal, taking my first step, and seeking wise counsel to ensure my effort isn’t wasted. I will do what I can do today, so God can do what only He can do tomorrow!”

You can’t reap what you didn’t reach for. Today is a great day to make a Fresh Start!
God bless,
+Pastor Kris