Inspiration often leads to perspiration. An idea is a thought. The thought leads to the task, the task to the plan, and then its implementation. The implementation is the work. The work can give way to encouragement and excitement. If the process is long, potholes of discouragement may be on your road.
If you let discouragement win, then inspiration also is lost. Maybe forever. But when the big D (discouragement) comes, two thoughts to consider. One is to step back and regain your focus by taking a break—the rest of mind and body. Two will be to reload your plan. Examine the original starting point. Where are you in this process? Have you strayed from the plan? What are the steps you have left out, and what steps do you need to complete?
Life always has discouragements. It could be insufficient materials. Maybe it’s your health. It could be people who did not fulfill their areas of responsibility. Whatever or whoever disillusioned you, they were not part of the original inspiration. Remember, God never leads you to begin something, only to quit. He will see you through to the end.
The plan is still God’s plan. It belongs to him. What he is looking for is a willing person. Remember the example of putting your hand to the plow and not looking back (Luke 9:62). The 21st-century application is to keep going and put the past behind you. Focus on what is in front of you. If you are busy with your forward progress, somehow, it all works out. Because God is in the details and the timing, it is a matter of trust and commitment on our part. The results are in God’s hands.
One more thing to consider, sometimes inspiration does ooze out. It is not like a flash of lightning. It is the oozing that will accomplish the plan for God.
