The Wait Was Worth It: Lessons on Patience and Preparation

The Wait Was Worth It: Lessons on Patience and Preparation

by | Dec 10, 2024 | Decisions, Empowerment, Encouragement, Goals, Leadership

By the next decade, the most successful companies will not be the most agile but rather those that adopt a strategic waiting game.

Netflix exemplifies this strategy, having waited nine years before launching its streaming service. Founded in 1997, Netflix introduced streaming in January 2007. During this period of anticipation, the company did not remain idle. Instead, it diligently built a thriving DVD-by-mail business, achieving milestones such as reaching 1 million subscribers by 2003 and delivering its billionth DVD by 2007.

Waiting can feel like a punishment in today’s fast-paced, results-driven world. Deadlines loom, competitors move ahead, and opportunities slip by while we’re neutral. But what if the waiting isn’t wasted time? What if it’s the most valuable season for growth and preparation?

Everyone, at some point, faces seasons where progress feels stalled.

Whether you’re a leader navigating a career plateau or someone waiting for a personal breakthrough, these moments are rarely as idle as they appear. Waiting can be the most valuable time to recalibrate, build resilience, and prepare for future opportunities. Here’s how anyone—leaders and individuals alike—can embrace these seasons and discover that the wait is worth it.

Understanding this can help frame waiting as an asset rather than a hindrance.

The Struggle: Waiting in a Results-Driven World

At a time in my career, everything felt like it was on hold. I worked hard, strategized, and executed plans precisely, but nothing seemed to move forward. Watching peers step into opportunities while I remained limbo left me questioning my direction and progress. If you’ve ever felt stuck, you know the frustration of asking, “Why isn’t anything happening?”

Many equate constant activity with success. Yet, the most impactful growth usually comes during moments of pause—when we take time to reflect, reassess, and realign.

This transition from frustration to clarity starts with a shift in mindset.

The most impactful growth usually comes during moments of pause—when we take time to reflect, reassess, and realign.

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The Breakthrough: Recognizing the Purpose in the Pause

The key to overcoming the frustration of waiting is shifting your perspective. Instead of viewing delays as setbacks, see them as preparation. Waiting isn’t about inactivity; it’s about alignment. Behind the scenes, resources are positioned, relationships are cultivated, and you are refined for what’s next.

Take a moment to reflect:

What if your current waiting season is part of a more significant strategy? What if the delay is setting you up for a more substantial win?

Such moments offer a rare chance to gain perspective, revealing the opportunities hidden within the pause.

Waiting isn’t about inactivity; it’s about alignment.

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Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is nothing at all.

For high achievers, doing nothing feels counterproductive. 

But waiting is not passive; it’s about active trust. It’s believing that progress is being made even when it’s not immediately visible.

High performers often see "doing nothing" as a waste of time, but reframing it as "strategic patience" changes the perspective. This time is ripe for inner work, such as strengthening mental agility, honing decision-making skills, and exploring creative solutions for future challenges.

  • The Growth Mindset: Use this time to develop patience and resilience. Waiting can feel like wasted time, but it’s often where the most significant internal growth happens.

  • Leverage the Pause: Consider this an opportunity to evaluate long-term goals and assess the alignment of your actions with your vision. Is the path you’re on the right one?

  • Reflection: Consider how previous waiting seasons led to better outcomes than if you had rushed.

  • Action Step: Reflect on this question: What is this season of waiting teaching me? Journal your thoughts, identify skills you can improve, or discuss them with a mentor.

Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not happening.

Progress is often invisible before it becomes evident.

Consider a seed buried in the ground—though unseen, it’s growing roots, preparing to break through the surface.

Trust that unseen work is happening. Remember that preparation takes time, whether you’re waiting on a promotion, a personal breakthrough, or clarity for your next steps.

Patience during these times often translates into deeper readiness and stronger outcomes.

  • Practical Perspective: Consider industries where long-term preparation is key—like product development or market expansion—and apply that mindset to your growth.

  • Action Step: Write down an area in your life or work where you feel delayed. Then, list potential ways this season might prepare you for a breakthrough.

Progress is often invisible before it becomes evident.

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Timing isn’t about speed; it’s about alignment.

Have you ever felt rushed to meet a deadline only to realize it wasn’t as urgent as it seemed?

Often, our perception of time is misaligned with what’s truly needed. Great leaders know that opportunities taken too soon can overwhelm them, while those embraced at the right time align perfectly with growth and capacity.

For leaders, this means letting go of the urge to force progress and focusing on readiness and strategic alignment.

  • Key Insight: Timing isn’t just about hitting targets; it’s about creating long-term value.
  • Action Step: Determine how your circumstances might position you for future success.

What you do while you wait determines what you see when it’s over.

Waiting isn’t about sitting still; it’s about preparation. Use this time to:

  1. Trust the Process: Believe that waiting is part of the journey. Trust builds resilience and reduces unnecessary stress. Use this time to reflect on past successes that emerged after waiting and how they prepared you for greater challenges.
  2. Sharpen Your Skills: Develop new competencies that position you for future opportunities. Whether it’s learning a new technology, refining your communication abilities, or mastering leadership techniques, this is your chance to upskill and add value to your personal and professional toolkit.
  3. Strengthen Relationships: Invest in your network—mentors, peers, and team members—to build a support system that enhances your effectiveness. Use this season to foster stronger connections through meaningful conversations, collaboration, and mentorship.
  4. Expand Your Vision: Take this time to explore new perspectives or industries that might complement your existing goals. Expanding your understanding can open doors to unexpected opportunities.
  • Action Step: Choose one area to focus on during your waiting season, whether it’s personal growth, skill development, strengthening your team, or broadening your horizons. Outline specific actions and track your progress regularly to stay motivated.

Why Waiting is Strategic

The marketplace values speed, but strategic leaders understand the power of timing. Waiting can offer opportunities to strengthen your position, refine your vision, and make choices that yield long-term rewards. Here’s why waiting can be a competitive advantage:

  • Better Decisions: Rushed decisions often lead to costly mistakes. Waiting allows for thoughtful consideration, thorough analysis, and input from trusted advisors, resulting in more effective outcomes.
  • Enhanced Strategic Planning: Use waiting periods to revisit your goals and recalibrate your strategies. This intentional pause can reveal gaps or opportunities you might have missed in a rush.
  • Increased Readiness: When the opportunity comes, you’ll be fully prepared to seize it. Preparation during waiting ensures that you enter each new phase with confidence and competence.
  • Long-Term Impact: Immediate results are fleeting; well-timed actions create lasting change and sustainability. Leaders who understand this shift from speed to strategy ultimately build stronger foundations for success.
  • Strengthened Relationships: Waiting provides the time to nurture key professional relationships and build trust within your network, which can become invaluable assets when opportunities arise.

Strategic leaders understand the power of timing—well-timed actions create lasting change.

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Closing Thoughts: The Wait Was Worth It

When the opportunity comes to fruition, you’ll realize that the waiting wasn’t wasted—it was necessary. Your waiting season wasn’t about stalling; it was about preparation. Those who embrace waiting as part of their journey find that the most significant wins come not from rushing but from readiness.

As marketplace leaders, remember this: Timing isn’t just about meeting deadlines; it’s about creating impact. Trust the process, embrace the waiting, and prepare for the moment when the right time comes.

Ultimately, waiting becomes not a barrier but a bridge to sustained success and meaningful impact.

This week, take intentional steps to shift your perspective on waiting. Reflect on the areas where you’re being prepared and commit to making the most of this season. In the end, you’ll look back and say the wait was worth it.

Ultimately, waiting becomes not a barrier but a bridge to sustained success and meaningful impact.

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The Gift You Didn’t Expect: How Unexpected Blessings Shape Our Lives

The Gift You Didn’t Expect: How Unexpected Blessings Shape Our Lives

by | Dec 3, 2024 | Christianity, Empowerment, Encouragement, Mars Hill Baptist Church

Introduction: A Gift Wrapped in Surprise

Isn’t it frustrating when you think you’ve made yourself clear but end up with something completely different? Why does it feel like life often does this to us?

Picture this: it’s your birthday or Christmas. You’ve been hinting at what you want for weeks, circling items in catalogs, sending links, and even mentioning it during conversations. The big day arrives, and you eagerly rip into the box, only to discover something entirely different—not what you expected. 

Perhaps it’s a book about patience or a toolset you have no clue how to use. Feeling disappointed, you set it aside, uncertain of its purpose in your life.

However, a situation arises weeks later where that “unwanted” gift becomes precisely what you need. The book helps you navigate a challenging situation gracefully, or the toolset fixes an unexpected problem. It wasn’t what you asked for, but it was just right. Isn’t that often how life works?

This is precisely how God works in our lives. His answers don’t always look like what we expect, but they are precisely what we need. What if the answer you’ve rejected is God’s best gift for you?

Jesus’ arrival into the world—so unexpected and unconventional—was the greatest gift humanity could ever receive. It teaches us a profound truth: sometimes, the gift you didn’t expect is the one you needed the most.

You Thought You Knew What You Needed, But God Had Other Plans

The Israelites of Jesus’ time were waiting for a king—an influential, mighty figure ready to overthrow their Roman oppressors. They sought a warrior to take up the sword and reclaim their sovereignty.

They expected a conqueror with a crown, but instead, He came wearing swaddling clothes with a message that was more about love than power. Instead, they got a baby born in a manger to a young, unmarried woman in a small town. This baby wasn’t housed in a palace but was placed in a humble stable.

 Shepherds—considered the lowest in society—were the first to hear of His birth. Jesus didn’t come with a sword; He came with love, humility, and a message of peace.

In Luke 2:10-11 (NLT), the angel announces:

Don’t be afraid! I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, David!

God’s plan defied all human logic. Jesus’ ministry focused on the least, the lost, and the broken, not the elite or powerful. This wasn’t what people expected, but it was precisely what they needed: a Savior who understood their struggles, a King who led by serving, and a Messiah who brought eternal hope rather than temporary relief.

Jesus’ arrival into the world—so unexpected and unconventional—was the greatest gift humanity could ever receive. It teaches us a profound truth: sometimes, the gift you didn’t expect is the one you needed the most.

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When What You Get Isn’t What You Asked For

How often do we overlook God’s blessings because they don’t look like we imagined? Isn’t it true that we want God to fit in our box, but He’s too big?

Maybe it’s time we break down those boxes. We tend to form rigid expectations about how life should unfold—how our prayers should be answered. We pray for financial help; instead, God teaches us a lesson in contentment.

We ask for healing, and instead, God strengthens us to endure. We seek instant relief, and instead, God gives us gradual growth.

Isaiah 55:8 (NLT) says:

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” 

The challenge isn’t God’s plan; it’s our expectations.

The Israelites expected a king with power and influence. Instead, they received a humble Savior who grew up in an unassuming town, worked as a carpenter, and spent time with the outcasts. The gift didn’t look like they imagined—but it was precisely what humanity needed.

So, what expectations must you release to fully embrace God’s plan for your life? Where do you need to pray for trust in God’s timing today?

One of the hardest lessons is adjusting our expectations to align with God’s plan. Releasing control is an act of faith, a declaration that we trust God’s goodness over our limited understanding.

God’s plan defied all human logic. Jesus’ ministry focused on the least, the lost, and the broken, not the elite or powerful. This wasn’t what people expected, but it was precisely what they needed: a Savior who understood their struggles, a King who led by serving, and a Messiah who brought eternal hope rather than temporary relief.

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Trusting God, Even When It Doesn’t Make Sense

Letting Go of Your Timeline

We often disappoint ourselves when life doesn’t unfold according to our timeline or vision. We want things to go smoothly, success without setbacks, and blessings without waiting. But God’s timeline is rarely ours, and His ways are often wrapped in surprises.

I remember when I was desperate for a career breakthrough—I had a clear idea of what I wanted and when I enjoyed it. But door after door closed. It wasn’t until I let go of my need for control and trusted God’s timing that I saw something better open up. By releasing our expectations, we open ourselves to experiencing God’s plans, which often exceed our wildest hopes.

Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) says:

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

We often disappoint ourselves when life doesn’t unfold according to our timeline or vision. We want things to go smoothly, success without setbacks, and blessings without waiting. But God’s timeline is rarely ours, and His ways are often wrapped in surprises.

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Do you believe God’s unexpected plans for you are better than anything you could imagine? It’s a bold question that requires faith to answer.

Take a moment today and choose one expectation you’ve been holding tightly onto—an expectation that might be limiting your view of God’s goodness. Actively surrender it to Him. Ask Him for help, trust His plan, and pray for His will daily.

Seeking Clarity, Not Control

When faced with the unknown, it’s natural to want control. We want to dictate the outcome, the timing, and the means. But God calls us to a different posture of humility and trust. Instead of demanding control, what if we asked for clarity?

What if you trusted that God was doing something far beyond your understanding instead of trying to control every outcome?

The question becomes: Am I asking God for understanding, or am I trying to control how He answers my prayers? When we ask for clarity, we acknowledge our dependence on God and trust in His wisdom.

Take time today to pray for clarity in one specific area of your life, and trust that God is guiding you even when the whole picture isn’t visible.

One of the hardest lessons is adjusting our expectations to align with God’s plan.

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Finding Joy in the Unexpected

Finally, one of the most potent shifts we can make is learning to celebrate the tiny, unexpected ways God works in our lives. We often look for God in the grand and obvious, but He usually chooses the humble and unexpected to do His most excellent work.

Reflect on three recent blessings—moments that initially seemed insignificant but were evidence of God’s love and care.

Don’t let the small wins go unnoticed—every unexpected blessing reminds you that God is closer than you think. What small moment today could be your reminder?

As we celebrate the unexpected, we strengthen our awareness of God’s presence in our everyday lives. It’s a reminder that He is with us in the mundane, small wins and gifts we didn’t ask for but needed the most.

More Than You Expected, Exactly What You Needed

Jesus didn’t meet our expectations; He came to exceed them. He was the gift we didn’t expect—a humble, loving Savior who offered not the temporary comfort of military victory but the eternal hope of salvation.

Like the Israelites, we often look for God in ways that align with our plans, but He shows up unexpectedly to remind us of His greater purpose. God isn’t in the business of meeting your expectations; He’s in the business of blowing your mind with something more significant. Are you ready for that?

Take time today to reflect on the unexpected blessings in your life. Consider the times when God answered differently than you imagined but better than you hoped. Choose one area where you’ve struggled to trust God, surrender it to Him, and take a step forward in faith.

Memorize Ephesians 3:20 as a reminder that God can do infinitely more than we might ask or think. And remember, the gifts we didn’t expect may be exactly what we needed all along.

Jesus didn’t meet our expectations; He came to exceed them. He was the gift we didn’t expect—a humble, loving Savior who offered not the temporary comfort of military victory but the eternal hope of salvation.

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Stop Chasing Happiness: Find Fulfillment in What You Already Have

Stop Chasing Happiness: Find Fulfillment in What You Already Have

by | Nov 26, 2024 | Empowerment, Encouragement, Goals, Money and Finance

Imagine two neighbors living on the same block—both working hard, caring for their families, and trying to make ends meet.

One of them, Marcus, takes pride in what he has. His house may not be the biggest, and his car might not be the newest, but Marcus is grateful. Each morning, he wakes up with peace in his heart, focusing on his family, his faith, and the blessings God has given him. He's learned that his worth isn't tied to the size of his paycheck or the car parked in his driveway.

Derek, the other neighbor, is different. Whenever he steps outside, he notices what everyone else has: the shiny new car next door, the remodeled kitchen across the street, the designer clothes his neighbors wear. And each time he compares, he feels less joy. No matter how hard Derek works, it never seems like enough.

Many of us are like Derek, caught in a cycle of comparison. But Marcus shows us another way—a life of gratitude and contentment. True happiness doesn’t come from accumulating things but from appreciating the blessings already in our lives. Today, let’s explore how to break free from comparison, recognize the intangible blessings we often overlook, and cultivate gratitude in our daily lives.

The Trap of Comparison and Materialism

In today's world, the comparison trap is everywhere. Social media shows us picture-perfect lives, and consumer culture constantly fuels our desire for more—more possessions, more status, more likes. It’s easy to fall into a cycle of measuring our worth based on what others have, leaving us feeling inadequate and disconnected.

Relentlessly chasing material possessions can take a toll. Financial stress, strained relationships, and spiritual emptiness often follow. When we place our value in what we own, it’s never enough—always striving, always wanting. And this pursuit can lead to burnout and an empty sense of self-worth.

But there’s a different perspective available to us. Luke 12:15 reminds us:

Life is not measured by how much you own. 

Our worth isn’t in our possessions but in who we are as people created in God’s image. By breaking free from this cycle of comparison, we can find lasting contentment. Some practical steps to take include limiting social media, unfollowing accounts that spark envy, and intentionally focusing on our own blessings.

When we place our value in what we own, it’s never enough—always striving, always wanting.



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The Power of Gratitude and The Freedom of Contentment

Gratitude is an attitude of thankfulness for the good in our lives.

Contentment, meanwhile, is a state of peace and satisfaction that doesn’t depend on external circumstances. Together, gratitude and contentment have the power to transform our outlook—from feeling like we lack something to recognizing the abundance in what we already have.

Focusing on what we have, rather than what we don’t, helps us appreciate the blessings that are often easy to overlook: love, family, friendships, health, and community. These blessings, though intangible, are infinitely more valuable than anything money can buy.

It’s helpful to remember the words of Matthew 6:19-20:

Don’t store up treasures here on earth... Store your treasures in heaven. 

When we invest in our faith, our relationships, and our purpose, we experience the kind of fulfillment that material things can never provide. As 1 Timothy 6:6-8 says, 

True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.

Instead of comparing our journey to others, let’s focus on our personal race—running the course God has uniquely set before us. Trusting in God’s plan, we find peace not in having more but in becoming more aligned with His purpose.

Gratitude is an attitude of thankfulness for the good in our lives. Contentment, meanwhile, is a state of peace and satisfaction that doesn’t depend on external circumstances.



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How to Flex Your Gratitude Muscles

Alright, let’s get real for a second. Gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s a practice, a habit we must work on daily. Here are some practical, game-changing steps to help you grow in gratitude:

  • Keep a Gratitude Journal: Spend a few minutes each day writing down things you’re thankful for. It could be as simple as a sunny day, a kind word, or a shared meal. Over time, this practice helps shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance.
  • Practice Daily Prayer and Reflection: Take time each day to thank God for His blessings. Prayer can help you realign your heart with God’s will and appreciate His presence in your life.
  • Minimize Materialistic Influences: Be mindful of your media consumption. Advertisements and social media often encourage a consumerist mindset, so limit your exposure and choose what uplifts you instead.
  • Surround Yourself with Supportive People: Spend time with those who celebrate your growth and your true self, not your possessions. Community matters, and the right people can make a big difference in your spiritual journey.
  • Practice Generosity: Giving to others helps cultivate gratitude. Whether it’s giving your time, resources, or even a listening ear, generosity can bring a sense of fulfillment that goes beyond anything we receive.

Gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s a practice, a habit we must work on daily. 



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Especially during the holiday season, it’s easy to feel pressured to overspend. Instead of focusing on buying things, consider ways to celebrate meaningfully—like gifting experiences, making donations, or creating handmade gifts. Thoughtful alternatives can help reduce the financial strain while fostering deeper connections with loved ones.

Conclusion

Gratitude is a choice, not a circumstance. We can choose to focus on the good in our lives, no matter the external situation. By embracing gratitude and contentment, we align our hearts with God’s purpose, finding true fulfillment not in things but in a deep relationship with Him.

As we step forward, let’s implement these steps in our daily lives and experience the power of gratitude firsthand. Let us write down our blessings, express thanks through prayer, surround ourselves with encouraging voices, and live with a giving spirit. The choice to cultivate gratitude has the power to transform not just our perspective but our entire lives.

Gratitude is a choice, not a circumstance. We can choose to focus on the good in our lives, no matter the external situation.



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When You Feel Like Throwing in the Towel

When You Feel Like Throwing in the Towel

by | Oct 21, 2024 | Accountability, Decisions, Empowerment, Encouragement, Excellence, Leadership, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Motivation, Self-Leadership, Spiritual Growth

We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (NLT)

Introduction: The Weight of Life’s Struggles

We’ve all been there—that moment where life has piled more on you than you can carry. It feels like you’re being crushed under the weight of responsibilities, heartache, and uncertainty.

This is the breaking point—when you’re emotionally and physically drained, barely holding on, and wondering why God would allow things to get this hard.

Maybe you’re at that breaking point right now. You’ve put on a brave face for others, but behind closed doors, you’re overwhelmed.

You’ve prayed, you’ve waited, and yet, the breakthrough still feels out of reach. Like Paul, you’ve reached a point where you wonder, “Can I even survive this?”

But the breaking point, as hard as it is, isn’t the end. It’s actually a crucial moment where transformation begins. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul openly admits he thought he wouldn’t make it.

Yet, in his suffering, he found something more powerful than his own strength—he found the power of relying on God.

Your Breaking Point is God’s Opportunity

When we reach the end of ourselves, that’s often when we begin to see God work in a new way. Paul said,

 We stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely on God.

When you’re at your breaking point, it’s God’s opportunity to show His strength through your weakness.

For many of us, letting go and trusting God can feel like the hardest step. We’re so used to controlling things—managing our careers, families, finances, and problems. But God never intended for us to carry these burdens alone.

Consider the story of Job. In Job 1, Job was described as a man of integrity, devoted to God, and blessed with abundance. Yet, in an instant, his life was shattered—he lost his wealth, his children, and his health.

Despite his suffering, Job chose to trust God. He fell to the ground in worship and said,

The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.

Like Job, our breaking points are not the end of the story; they are turning points where God can step in and carry the weight we were never meant to bear.

We often wonder why God lets us reach these moments of complete exhaustion. Sometimes it’s the only way we’ll stop relying on ourselves and truly depend on Him. It’s at the end of your strength that God’s strength can shine the brightest.

It’s at the end of your strength that God’s strength can shine the brightest.



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Pressure Produces Power

We’ve all heard the saying,

God won’t give you more than you can handle.

But if you look at Paul’s words, you’ll notice something important: sometimes God will allow more than you can handle—on your own. The crushing weight Paul describes in 2 Corinthians wasn’t meant to destroy him but to draw him into deeper reliance on God.

This pressure wasn’t a punishment; it was a process.

The idea of pressure producing power can be seen in the natural world. Consider how diamonds are formed—under immense heat and pressure.

Without the crushing weight, a diamond would never become the precious stone that it is. Similarly, in the spiritual life, God uses the pressure we’re under to refine and strengthen us.

Job’s story exemplifies this process. In the face of overwhelming loss, Job didn’t give in to despair or curse God as Satan predicted . Instead, he held onto his faith, and through that suffering, God revealed a greater purpose.

Later, in Job 42, we see that God not only restores Job but gives him twice as much as he had before . The intense pressure Job faced produced deeper faith, humility, and eventually, a blessing far greater than anything he could have imagined.

When we face these crushing moments, we can either resist and become hardened, or we can surrender to God and let Him transform us. The pressure you’re under today could be preparing you for a breakthrough tomorrow.

The pressure you’re under today could be preparing you for a breakthrough tomorrow.



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God’s Resurrection Power in Your Situation

One of the most powerful revelations Paul shares is that he learned to rely not just on God, but on “God who raises the dead.” This is a game-changer.

The God who raised Jesus from the dead is at work in your situation right now. No matter how hopeless things seem, God specializes in bringing dead things back to life.

When Jesus hung on the cross, His disciples were devastated. To them, it looked like the end.

Yet, three days later, Jesus rose from the dead, proving that nothing is impossible with God. This same resurrection power is available in your life.

That dream you think is dead, that relationship that seems beyond repair, that situation you’ve given up on—God can breathe life into it again.

Job’s story reminds us that God is a God of restoration.

After losing everything, Job was not only restored but blessed beyond what he had before. His family, wealth, and health were renewed.

What seemed like a hopeless situation became the canvas for God’s greatest work in Job’s life.

Similarly, your breaking point is not the end. It’s the beginning of God’s resurrection power in your life. Even when you can’t see a way forward, God is already working behind the scenes.

Your breaking point is not the end; it’s the beginning of God’s resurrection power in your life.



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Conclusion: Hold On and Trust in God’s Plan

At the breaking point, it’s easy to feel like giving up.

But the stories of Paul and Job teach us that these moments of overwhelming pressure are where God’s power is revealed most clearly.

Both men faced unimaginable suffering, but both also discovered that God’s plan is far greater than the pain they endured.

In your own life, you may not understand why you’re going through what you are. But know this: God is not finished with you yet.

He is able to restore what has been lost, to bring life where there was death, and to turn your breaking point into a breakthrough.

So, hold on. Don’t throw in the towel.

The God who raised Jesus from the dead, and who restored Job’s life, is the same God who is with you in your suffering. Your breaking point is not the end; it’s the beginning of something new and powerful. Trust Him—He’s got you.

What seems like a hopeless situation becomes the canvas for God’s greatest work in your life.



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Next Steps

  • If this message resonated with you, I encourage you to check out the full sermon here.
  • Join us for Church Online on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 10:30 AM, where we’ll dive deeper into this topic.
  • And don’t miss our next in-person service on November 3, 2024, at 10:30 AM—we’d love to see you there! 

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Dare to Pray BIG: Unlocking the Power of Bold Prayer

Dare to Pray BIG: Unlocking the Power of Bold Prayer

by | Sep 25, 2024 | Empowerment, Encouragement, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Prayer, Self-Leadership

Have you ever found yourself praying small, safe prayers, not quite daring to believe that God can do the impossible?

I found myself in that exact situation as our church faced a significant decision about whether to stay in our current building or relocate. It wasn’t about space; it was about the financial burden of ongoing repairs.

The question loomed:

Should we stay and hold onto the familiar, or take a bold step into the unknown?

Our church building held deep sentimental value. It was a place where life-changing events had occurred—baptisms, worship services, and countless moments of transformation.

Personally, it felt like home. But during a meeting, someone asked, “Are we limiting what God can do by staying?”

That question hit hard. Were we allowing emotional attachment to cloud our decision-making and limit God’s plans for our future?

That night, I prayed with a new sense of purpose. It wasn’t about holding on to the past anymore.

I asked God for clarity and courage, not just a solution to our building problem but a bigger vision for what He could do through us. As I prayed, I realized something powerful: the building isn’t the church—the people are.

After much prayer and discussion, we decided to relocate. It was hard, but we stepped out in faith, trusting that God had bigger plans for us.

The decision freed us from financial strain and opened doors for new ministry opportunities. It was a reminder that bold prayers, rooted in faith, can unlock God’s provision in ways we might never expect.

The building isn’t the church—the people are. Bold faith moves us beyond the familiar and into God’s greater plan.



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Are You Limiting God's Power?

Too often, our prayers are limited by what we think is possible, not by what God knows is possible.

We hesitate to ask for big things because we’re afraid of disappointment or because our human understanding creates limits that God doesn’t have.

But as Ephesians 3:20 tells us,

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

What if we dared to pray bigger, bolder prayers?

What if we trusted God for things beyond our imagination, knowing that He is always at work, even when we can’t see it?

Are we limiting God’s power with our small, safe prayers? It’s time to pray big and trust Him for the impossible.



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Taking the Next Step in Faith

Bold prayer requires bold faith. 

Like Abraham in Genesis 18, who interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah, we need to approach God with confidence, believing in His justice and mercy. Abraham didn’t hold back—he boldly asked God to spare the city, trusting in His character.

The challenge for all of us is to stop tiptoeing around in our prayers. Ask God for what seems impossible. Trust that He will move in His way and in His time.

Whether you’re praying for healing, the salvation of a loved one, or transformation in your community, remember: bold prayers honor God, and God honors bold prayers.

Bold prayers honor God, and God honors bold prayers.



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Are you ready to take that next step of faith? 

Are you ready to take that next step of faith? Dare to pray big—and watch what God can do.

 Here are three key takeaways to help you on this journey:

  1. Stop praying safe prayers – God isn’t limited by what we think is possible. It’s time to trust Him with the bold, impossible requests.
  2. Bold prayer requires bold faith – Like Abraham, we must come to God with confidence and expect that He will move.
  3. Faith grows when we step out – Stepping out in boldness opens the door for God to do extraordinary things in our lives and in our ministries.

Dare to pray big—and watch what God can do.

If you want to dive deeper into bold prayer, I encourage you to check out my book, Bold Prayers: How to Pray With Confidence and Expectation. It’s available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle formats.

This book will help you transform your prayer life, teaching you how to approach God with the faith and confidence that invites Him to work in extraordinary ways. Available now on Amazon!

For more insights on leadership and faith, check out The Clarence Stowers Leadership Podcast, where I dive deeper into topics like bold prayer, leadership in ministry, and trusting God’s plan.

Listen to the latest episode here on Apple Podcasts.

Why What You Do First Determines What’s Blessed

Why What You Do First Determines What’s Blessed

by | Sep 14, 2024 | Empowerment, Christian, Christianity, Decisions, Encouragement, Goals, Motivation, Self-Leadership, Success

“I feel it is better to begin with God, to see His face first, to get my soul near him before it is near another.” E.M. Bounds

If you were to open any dictionary and look up “Godly Woman”, I’m willing to suggest that my mother, Margaret Stowers’ picture would accompany the definition.

Why would I say this? Well, she understood the wisdom of “firsts”, giving God the first of everything – in all areas of life. My mother believed in giving God the first hour of the day, the first day of the week, and the first dime of every dollar.

My Mom Gave God The First Hour of the Day

My mom believed that the bridge to success is better crossed in the morning, the best part of uninterrupted time. This was her time to talk to God through prayer, read and reflect on Scripture, and listen to God’s voice.

That’s right, the wife of a pastor didn’t read the newspaper, talk on the phone, or turn on the television. She would wake up, shower, make coffee, and spend the first hour of her day with God.

Today, my mother is no longer with us, she’s with God. But, even today, one of my clearest memories of her is her morning rhythm. Years later, as I reflect, her example inspires me to form a similar habit and make it a part off my daily rhythm.

If you’re thinking you can just as easily connect with God any time of the day, you’re right, you could. You could connect at noon, in the afternoon, or before you go to bed. But, nothing puts an exclamation point on the day like giving God the first hour of our day.

My Mom Gave God The First Day of the Week

Along with giving God the first hour of her day, my mom also believed in and practiced giving back to God the first day of each week. She went to church! Attending wasn’t optional, it was a priority in the Stowers household. Unfortunately, Sunday is now an extension of the weekend and we can hardly distinguish it from Saturday.

Church attendance is declining and it’s a trend that’s not going away. It’s accelerating. Leadership coach and blogger Carey Neiuwhof writes extensively on church trends and attendance and lists 10 Reasons Even Committed Church Members Are Attending Less. Topping Carey’s list is:

1) Greater Affluence – money gives people options,

2) Higher Focus on Children’s Activities – more kids are playing sports and doing it on Sunday, and

3) Blended Parent Families – when custody is shared in a family situation, ‘perfect’ attendance for a kid or teen might be 26 Sundays a year.

You can read the rest of Carey’s post here.

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