When There Is No Answer… Maybe You Haven’t Counted the Cost
I remember calling a shop to make an appointment for my wife and I. The phone kept being busy. I called again and again, but it was still engaged. Hours later, we finally got through. To our surprise, the item was still available — but the price had increased. Sadly, we had to decline because it now cost more than we were prepared to pay.
Isn’t this similar to many pursuits in our lives?
We chase a dream. We pursue a goal. We work towards something we deeply desire.
But when we finally arrive at the point of decision, we sometimes back down — not because the opportunity disappeared, but because the price increased.
I realised something important: Sometimes we are quick to run after something without considering the possible price we might be asked to pay.
Everyone loves the idea of success. Few consider the sacrifice behind it.
Everyone wants the calling. Few prepare for the cost.
Everyone desires the promise. Few embrace the process.
Jesus spoke about this clearly: “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it. (Luke 14:28 NKJV)
The Kingdom principle is simple: Desire without cost consideration leads to disappointment.
I am reminded of the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-22). He pursued Jesus passionately. He asked the right question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”
But when Jesus revealed the cost — to surrender his wealth and security — suddenly the pursuit stopped.
Scripture says:
“He went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” (Mark 10:22 NKJV)
Notice this carefully: Jesus did not reject him. The price did.
Sometimes God does not say “no.” He simply reveals the cost.
And the real question becomes: Do we still want it when we know what it costs?
Many want:
– The anointing, but not the crushing
– The platform, but not the preparation
– The impact, but not the obedience
– The breakthrough, but not the surrender
But everything meaningful in life carries a price.
Salvation is free. But discipleship costs everything.
Jesus said: “Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:33 NKJV)
This is not about losing everything materially. It is about surrendering ownership spiritually.
It is about saying: “Jesus, You are worth more than anything I must release.”
Maturity in life and faith begins when we stop asking: “What do I want?”
And start asking: “What will this require of me?”
Because the truth is:
- The higher the calling, The deeper the cost.
- The greater the assignment, The heavier the surrender.
- The stronger the impact, The longer the preparation.
But here is the encouragement: The price may be high, but the reward is always higher.
Jim Elliot, the missionary who gave his life for the gospel, once said: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
Maybe the question today is not: Why is there no answer?
Maybe the question is: Are we ready for the price of the answer?
Because sometimes the busy line is not rejection.
Sometimes it is preparation.
Sometimes God allows delay so our hearts can be ready for what our prayers are asking for.
And sometimes what we call silence… is actually an invitation to deeper surrender.
Reflection Questions:
- What am I currently pursuing?
- Have I honestly counted the cost?
- Am I willing to pay the price if God asks?
- Do I want the blessing more than I want God?
Because at the end of the day:
Dreams cost.
Growth costs.
Calling costs.
Following Jesus costs.
But not following Him costs even more.
