Luke 14:28–30

Recurrent Thought

       Financial Resources are critical for Vision Execution

Dreams can stall, stop or be abandoned altogether. Unfinished Projects are a results of vision encountering challenges.  Lots of challenges or impediments stands in the way of vision fulfillment. One major challenge for any vision fulfilment is lack of financial resources. Implementing a plan for vision fulfillment comes with a price. Although finances are not the first to be considered when developing a vision, however, they become one of the major determinants for vision fulfillment. Vision implementation will cost you. In this message we deal with the Challenges of lack of Financial Resources in Vision Execution, which in essence is the major cause for Unfinished Projects.

Here is a recap of essential thoughts in the Series

• We all have the capacity to reach meaningful achievements in life through the process of envisioning.
• The life of envisioning, goal setting is the natural way of capturing the future into the present. We envision in small things; we also do it in bigger projects.
• Vision casting implies that we deliberately set a path (plans, strategies) towards the future we desire. Therefore, a life of an achiever is driven by strategic goals towards their preferred future.
• As Christ-devoted followers we are called to participate in Kingdom Harvest, and we must do it through casting goals and move towards them (Kingdom Harvest)
• As Christ-devoted followers we are called to excel in our personal life activities. Our lives must be a testimony of how God transforms human beings (Personal Harvest)
• Vision execution always faces challenges. The essential capacity is one’s determination to work around the challenges
• In the last nine (9) messages we have dealt with various challenges to Vision Execution;
• The last message in this series deals with the working through the challenges of lack of Financial Resources.

There is a context to this Scriptural passage. Jesus uses a building project as an illustration for discipleship. But the principle applies to any vision. Every vision has a financial dimension; without resources, even great dreams stall. The truth of the matter is that God is willing to lead us in finding the necessary resources. Our responsibility is to plan wisely and mobilize resources.

Here are Four Truths about Finishing Your Projects

1. Every Vision Requires Financial Resources. (Luke 14:28)

   • Jesus says “Sit down and estimate the cost — implying that dreaming is not enough.
   • Even ministry visions require budgets for tools, people, and time.
   • We have many projects that remain unfinished. Such as a rural school project with a strong vision but no cost estimation; many remain unfinished due to lack of finances.
   • Before starting, know the full financial demand of your assignment.
   • Part of the Vision casting is to ask the important question of cost.
   • If you do not mobilize financial resources, you will have Unfinished Projects
   • The Bible says it is essential to sit down and count the cost of your vision, your project
   • Count the financial cost:  Do you have the resources or a strategy to secure them?
   • Don’t ignore it “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty
   • Nehemiah asked the king for timber, letters of safe passage, and other supplies before starting the wall (Nehemiah 2:7–8).
   • When David knew he would not be the one to rebuild the temple, he strategically set everything for his son Solomon to rely on: He set blueprints, Finances, Materials, and capable human resource.
   • Faith and planning are partners, not enemies.
   • Planning is a spiritual activity and your budget is a faith document.
2. The Cost of Unfinished Project is High (Luke 14:29–30)
   • Without proper planning and budgeting we fail to raise funds for our dreams. Inevitably we remain with unfinished projects.
   • Incomplete projects bring discouragement, loss of credibility, and wasted resources.
   • Unfinished community projects destroy hope and trust in the communities
   • For visible projects, if you don’t finish, you risk embarrassment and discouragement.
   • People may lose confidence in you, and you may lose confidence in yourself.
   • Unfinished projects usually drain resources and faith.
   • Secure or plan for resources before starting to avoid public and spiritual embarrassment.
   • Whatever, we do with our dreams let us ensure we plan to finish.
3. Planning is Essential for Vision Implementation
   • Every Vision must be accompanied by a plan. If you fail to plan you are planning to fail
   • God Can Provide, But We Must plan and prepare for His Provision
   • This is planning, budgeting, and considering time, resources, and effort.
   • Psalm 24:1 reminds us all resources belong to God; but He releases provision to the prepared.
   • Planning should include strategies for Resource mobilization.
   • Build Partnerships Early – Involve supporters, partners, and skilled people who believe in the vision. 
   • Favor follows the prepared. Be Ready for the Opportunity coming your way
   • Proverbs 21:5 – “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.
   • Provision follows vision and at its heart is a well arranged plan.
   • You remember the Prophet’s widow in 2 Kings 4, she had to gather jars first before the oil multiplied.
   • The mysterious reality is that Prepared visionaries are the ones who are positioned for divine supply.
4. Steps to Avoid an Unfinished Life Project
   • Pray Before You Start – Seek God’s will first (Proverbs 3:5–6).
   • Plan Thoroughly – Write down the vision and strategy (Habakkuk 2:2).
   • Secure Resources – Trust God but also gather what’s needed; Combine personal contribution, community mobilization, and partnerships.
   • Execute the Plan – Diligently work the field of your vision. Put your hands to the Plough.
   • Commit to Persevere – Stay the course when challenges come.
   • Review and Adjust – Regularly evaluate your progress.
   • Transparent and Accountability — Builds donor confidence through reporting.

Conclusion

• Vision without financial preparation risks becoming a monument of failure.
• Jesus teaches us to plan, cost, and complete what we start both spiritually and materially.

Altar Time

• Altar Time Pray for doors of financial favor to open and for diligence to steward resources well.
• Pray for doors of financial favor to open and for diligence to steward the resources well.