The importance of adding action to your plans

Dr. J.B. Gambrel tells an amusing story from General Stonewall Jackson’s famous valley campaign. Jackson’s army found itself on one side of a river when it needed to be on the other side. 

	Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. — James 1:23-24

After telling his engineers to plan and build a bridge so the army could cross, he called his wagon master in to tell him that it was urgent the wagon train cross the river as soon as possible. The wagon master started gathering all the logs, rocks, and fence rails he could find and built a bridge. Long before daylight, General Jackson was told by his wagon master all the wagons and artillery had crossed the river.

General Jackson asked, “Where are the engineers, and what are they doing?” The wagon master replied, “They’re in their tent drawing up plans for a bridge.”

There are times when perfect planning is crucial. But there are also times when quick action is more important. And it’s in those times that over-planning can result in a lack of action altogether.

The church today must plan, but it must also act. And far too often, the step of action is what’s missing. So instead of just talking about doing something great, do it. Take action for the Kingdom and make an impact for Jesus’ name!

Prayer Challenge

Pray and ask God to show you where you need to add action to your plans.