PROGRESS IS PAINFUL

Progress is painful.

Pain is not a popular word in our culture, rather comfort is a common word used today. The problem with comfort is you don't get anywhere or see any progress. If you want to grow and see change in your life, it is going to require hard work and sacrifice. John Maxwell puts it this way, "Everything worthwhile is uphill." 

Right now we are in the process of having some painting and minor updates on our home. It has required us to find another place to stay for a few nights due to which rooms they were working on and painting. I found myself tempted to complain and God reminded me that progress is painful. If you want to progress and be productive, we must be willing to go through some pain or inconvenience.

You may have heard the exercise motto, “No pain no gain.” If you want to get stronger, you must be willing to endure the pain while you are working out. The same is true as we grow as a leader, pastor or business person. We must be willing to do things that we may not want to do to get to where God wants us to go. Here are a few things to remember:

1. Great businesses and churches aren’t built over night but takes time and patience.
2. We need to keep the big picture in mind.
3. Have people in your life to encourage you and to remind you that it’s a process.
4. Make a decision you aren’t going to quit! I want to hear the words, “Well done Matt, My good and faithful servant.”