Ain't Good Enough

'Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.' - Ecclesiastes 11:4

You may have heard it said, "If it can't be done with perfection, don't do it." Well let me just say this, Jesus never said that! Truth be told, almost everything we do is done poorly when we first start doing it, that's how we learn. A baby doesn't start out walking perfectly, they wobble and fall down a lot. The more they try, the better they become. They finally learn to walk without falling.

In a world driven by the pursuit of perfection, where success is often measured by societal standards, the timeless wisdom found in Ecclesiastes offers a refreshing perspective. Ecclesiastes 11:4 reminds us, "Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap." In a culture obsessed with meticulous planning and the fear of failure, these words challenge us to move beyond our comfort zones and embrace the uncertainties of life.

In a world that encourages us to meticulously plan every aspect of our lives, it's easy to fall into the trap of overthinking. Ecclesiastes 11:4 paints a vivid picture of those who are so preoccupied with watching the wind or scrutinizing the clouds that they become paralyzed, unable to take action. This cautionary tale serves as a reminder that sometimes, the pursuit of perfection can hinder progress.

The metaphor of planting and reaping in Ecclesiastes 11:4 encourages us to take bold steps, even when the conditions seem unfavorable. Just as a farmer must plant seeds without knowing how the weather will unfold, we too must embrace uncertainty and take action despite the risks. The verse reminds us that waiting for the perfect moment may lead to missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential.

The world we live in often equates success with flawlessness, this verse challenges us to embrace imperfection. Life is inherently unpredictable, and waiting for ideal circumstances may mean waiting forever. Instead of fixating on potential obstacles, we are encouraged to take risks, sow our seeds, and trust that growth will happen in its own time.

Failure is an inevitable part of the human experience, but it is also a powerful teacher. Ecclesiastes 11:4 suggests that those who fear failure to the point of inaction will miss out on the valuable lessons it brings. By planting seeds despite the uncertainties, we open ourselves up to the possibility of growth, resilience, and wisdom gained through both success and failure.

Those who wait for perfect conditions never plant nor harvest. As there are no perfect moments to do what God has called us to do. When our finances are better we will move to another city. When I finish college I will start going to church. When the moment is right I will ask for a promotion. We feel a need to dot every "I" and cross every "T". It is not possible in the world we live in.  

In a society that often demands perfection, Ecclesiastes 11:4 serves as a reminder that sometimes, good enough is indeed good enough. By releasing the grip of overthinking and fear, we can embrace the uncertainties of life, take bold actions, and cultivate a mindset that values growth over perfection. So, let us not be held back by the ever-changing winds and clouds of life but instead plant our seeds with courage and watch them flourish in their own time.

We cannot reap a harvest, if we are waiting on the perfect season to plant. It does not have to be perfect for God to use and bless it. God makes our not good enough, perfect enough for Him!