Once again, the snow has arrived in Europe and as usual, has 'surprised' everyone. One may wonder how can the same scenario repeat itself year after year and still cause the same effects: airports and schools closed, buses parked, trains and undergrounds (subways) doing minimum service, and Public Administration and shops almost void of everyone. All of these have a disastrous impact on the economy (and tax payers).
I can understand the need to close some airports, but I can hardly understand the rest. Let me explain: Canada, USA (some states) and Russia, to only name a few, always have worse winters than Europe; yet, life goes on normally. These countries have taken all the necessary measures a long while ago to ensure that they are not paralysed every time winter shows up. In Europe, we know how they dealt with the problem, talk about it, but do not do what it is needed to get the same (good) results. We wait until the last minute to see whether the winter will be harsh, before looking for solutions. Wisdom will say that if you live in Europe, live as if there will always be a white Christmas and January. If this doesn’t happen, then alright; but if it does, you will always be ready for it.
In general, it is only the main roads which are salted and people are stuck at home waiting for the thaw. However, one just needs to give more money to local authorities, so as to enable them take care of small local roads and people will go to work. Yes, it costs a lot; but it costs even more when nobody goes to work or school for days. Last week, a school canteen prepared their 600 usual meals and only 25 students were able to make it to school. They had to throw 575 three-course meals away!
This reminds me of how some Christians also live their lives without preparation and foresight. They spend their time reacting instead of pro-acting. I had a pastor who loved to say: “We are not of those who wait for things to happen, but of those who make things to happen.” Abraham Lincoln also said that if he had eight hours to chop down a tree, he'd spend six hours sharpening his axe. He was emphasising on the time that we need to invest in preparation when we want to succeed: 75% of our time in preparation (energy, money, analysis etc.) and then, 25% in actions that cannot fail therefore, to be effective.
In Catalysts of Favour, I explain how/why those who desire to become men or women after God’s heart need to prepare themselves. They spend time acquiring the character which attracts the LORD’s favour. Coincidentally, the first part of the book, which is devoted to preparation, entails approximately three-quarters of the book.
Do not be taken by surprise. If you want to achieve all the resolutions that you have taken this year, prepare yourself accordingly. If you want to become X, Y or Z in 5 or 10 years, it is now that you have to look around and see those who, like Russia and Canada, have already mastered the process of what you wish to be or obtain. Follow their steps. Is this investment too costly (efforts, money, time)? Well, if you REALLY want to succeed, nothing will stop you. But if you are only DREAMING about success, you will naturally wait for a better timing, more money or more spare time in your schedule.
2Ti 2:6, “It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.” French versions imply that the farmer must first work hard before enjoying the harvest.
1Co 9:24-27, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath… 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body...”
No pain, no gain. Like labourers and athletes, Paul self-imposed some tough sacrifices in order to achieve his vision, goals and objectives. I pray that you do the same.
God bless you!
PS: if you live in Cameroon and are (or know people who are) interested in buying Catalysts of Favour, get in touch with me.
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