Starting a new venture can be exciting and doubtless risky. Exciting because it is something new and seemingly promising. Risky because of the fear of failure, resource constraints amongst other uncertainties. Sometimes people handle the uncertainties of new ventures by proactively focusing on project purpose and objectives, ensuring tact and discipline in mobilising and utilizing resources, sticking to proven successful models and practice.

‘Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.”
Luke 6:47‭-‬48 NKJV

God had a purpose in mind before creating you (Jeremiah 1:5). And you will accomplish your purpose only in and with God (John 15:5).

When discovered and accepted a purpose influences life decisions, offers a sense of direction and gives meaning to life. Unlike purpose, a dream often originates from an individual whereas a purpose is predetermined by a Creator or Manufacturer. And while a personal dream may not always be one’s purpose, a purpose can very much become a dream when it is discovered, accepted and committed to.

Sometimes, a purpose can be connected to a vocation or personal ambition. For example, I have colleagues who I believe are called to be doctors. I don’t see them doing anything else than giving care and hope to people through medicine. They are good at it. they enjoy it, they are settled in it. I have also become very settled in what I believe God has called me to do.

In accomplishing a dream or a purpose one needs more than head knowledge. In their book, ‘Built To Last‘ James Collins and Jerry Porras provide a blueprint for building long lasting and prosperous organizations. And in Luke 6:46-49, Jesus teaches that the way to ensure a sure foundation is to build on Him.

Building On Sure Foundation

The strength of a building is its foundation. The foundation serves to hold the structure above it and keep it upright. A building without a solid foundation is most likely to collapse in adverse circumstances. In our present world, there is always a temptation to hurriedly get to the top, become the recognized owner of a building or an enterprise, to establish a presence, make a name, become known. There is really nothing wrong with that if we are moving at God’s speed and if we have a solid foundation (in God). But you know, going through the proper process that leads to the top prepares someone to be comfortably seated at the top and well equipped to withstand challenging times. Don’t jump the process, build on a sure foundation; build on the Word, follow the leading of the Spirit.

If we find our purpose in God, we will also become established in it, in God. We know we are building on a sure foundation when we pattern our lives and drive our dreams and purposes in line with the principles of the Word of God.