Faithfully Yani

There are moments in life when we stand at the edge of big decisions—career changes, business expansions, financial risks, or even starting something completely new.

And in those moments, a quiet question often echoes in my heart:

“Have you counted the cost?”

It’s a gentle but confronting question—one that has slowed me down more times than I can count. I truly believe it’s God’s way of reminding me to pause, to breathe, and to trust His wisdom over my own impulse to rush.

Because sometimes, when life feels uncertain, we tend to move faster than we should. We rush to make things happen, thinking that quick action will fix our problems or bring clarity. But often, rushing leads to confusion, exhaustion, and even regret.

When I Learned the Value of Slowing Down

I remember the early years of my career as an electronics engineer. Whenever a prototype failed, my first instinct was to fix it immediately. There was this anxious rush inside me—a fear that delays would disappoint others or reflect poorly on my work.

So I would move quickly: checking circuits, replacing parts, re-soldering components—hoping something would finally work. But the more I rushed, the more mistakes I made. I would lose focus, burn myself out, and even accidentally hurt my hands with the soldering iron.

In the end, I found myself tired, frustrated, and further from the solution.

It was only when I finally stopped—when I chose to breathe, rest, and reset—that things started to make sense. I realized what I truly needed was not more effort, but more wisdom. I began to analyze the data, seek advice from my team, and move more thoughtfully. And with time, that approach not only solved the problem—it shaped me into a more strategic and calm engineer.

That lesson didn’t just apply to my technical work. It became a spiritual reminder too. Because whether it’s in faith, business, or relationships, rushing rarely leads to clarity.

Oftentimes, the very peace we long for comes after we pause and count the cost.

The Wisdom of Counting the Cost

Jesus once spoke to His disciples about this very principle:

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’”

— Luke 14:28–30 (NIV)

This passage isn’t only about money or construction. It’s about intentionality.

It’s about understanding what it truly takes to follow Jesus—and by extension, what it takes to make wise, faith-filled decisions in our daily lives.

Counting the cost is not about being fearful. It’s about being faithful.

It’s saying, “Lord, before I move, I want to move with You.”

A Recent Reminder from God

Just recently, I enrolled in an online course from the University of Michigan about Leading People and Teams. While going through the lessons, I found myself thinking deeply about leadership—not just in theory, but in real life.

I thought of our cafe business, my partners, and our team. I started brainstorming ways to sustain the business and help people through it. During my quiet time, I prayed and presented them all to God. I asked for wisdom and direction.

And in that stillness, I heard Him speak to my heart again:

“Have you counted the cost, Yani?”

At that moment, I paused. I knew those words weren’t random—they were a gentle answer to my prayer.

It was tempting to push through with my plans right away. I could’ve easily jumped ahead, thinking, “This makes sense, so let’s do it!” But deep down, I knew from experience that God’s way is always better—even when it’s slower.

So instead of rushing, I went back to the drawing board. I worked on the details, analyzed the data, and prayed over the implications. And as I did, I felt peace. Not because the path was easy, but because I knew the decision was guided, not driven.

Sometimes, slowing down with God is the most productive thing we can do.

3 Steps to Take Before Making Big Decisions

If you’re standing at a crossroads—whether in your career, business, or personal life—here are three steps that have helped me “count the cost” with wisdom and peace.

1. Pause Before You Proceed

We often mistake urgency for importance. But not everything that feels urgent is actually important.

Before you act, take time to pause and pray. Give yourself permission to rest your emotions and quiet your thoughts. This is the space where clarity begins.

When we rush, we rely on emotion. When we pause, we invite the Holy Spirit to lead.

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

— Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

Ask yourself:

• Am I making this decision out of pressure or purpose?
• What emotions are influencing my thoughts right now?
• Have I given God time to speak before I move?

That simple pause can save you from so much unnecessary pain later on.

2. Pray and Seek Godly Counsel

Counting the cost isn’t just about listing pros and cons—it’s about aligning your decisions with God’s will.

This happens through prayer and wise counsel.

When something feels uncertain, bring it to God honestly. You don’t need perfect words; you just need a sincere heart that says, “Lord, I want what You want.”

Then, seek input from trusted people—mentors, church leaders, or friends who walk closely with God. Proverbs 15:22 reminds us:

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

— Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)

When we surround ourselves with godly people, their insight becomes a mirror that reflects truth and helps us see what we might miss.

Ask yourself:

• Who can help me see this situation more clearly?
• What do godly mentors or loved ones think about this?
• Is my decision leading me closer to obedience, or away from it?

3. Prepare and Proceed with Faith

After you’ve paused, prayed, and sought wisdom, it’s time to prepare and move forward—not in fear, but in faith.

Counting the cost doesn’t mean overthinking until you’re paralyzed. It means you’ve done your part—analyzing, planning, and praying—and now you’re ready to trust God with the outcome.

Sometimes, obedience will still require risk. You won’t have all the details figured out. But peace doesn’t come from knowing everything—it comes from knowing Who is leading you.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”

— Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

When you move with peace, you move with power.

Because even if things don’t go perfectly, you can rest knowing your decision was anchored in wisdom and trust.

Counting the Cost in a Culture of Hurry

We live in a world that glorifies instant results—fast success, quick fixes, overnight breakthroughs. But the Kingdom of God often works differently. It’s steady. Intentional. Rooted.

Jesus invites us not to rush ahead, but to walk with Him—to consider the cost, the heart, and the purpose behind every “yes” we give.

When we count the cost, we’re not delaying progress—we’re deepening faith.

We’re learning to value obedience over outcome, and character over comfort.

And that’s real success: not just reaching our goals, but becoming the kind of person who honors God along the way.

Encouragement for You

If you’re in a season of decision-making right now—wondering what to do next in your job, business, or calling—know this:

You don’t have to have it all figured out today. You just need to take one faithful step at a time with God.

Slow down. Pray. Reflect.

And when you finally decide, do it from a place of peace, not pressure.

Because God’s timing is never rushed, and His plans are never careless.

He is not only concerned with what you’re building, but also who you’re becoming as you build it.

Reflection Questions

1. What decision are you currently trying to make?
2. Have you taken time to pause and ask God for direction?
3. What fears or pressures are influencing your decision-making right now?
4. Who are the people you can seek wise counsel from?

Final Thoughts

When Jesus said, “Count the cost,” He was inviting us into a life of intention—one that values wisdom over speed and faith over control.

So the next time you’re faced with a big decision, take a moment to ask yourself:

Have I counted the cost?

Because sometimes, the best way forward… is to slow down with God. 🙂

Faithfully,

Yani 💛 

For My Readers ❤️

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