As we embark on a new year, I am struck by two things: Faith is an essential ingredient in success and that the more we love, the more we are given. The common name for what we all do is called business, but it’s bigger than exchanging good and services for money, it’s our calling. If you have determined your God-given purpose and you use it to serve others through your business, then you have a winning combination. God speaks to us through vision and dreams. You are not given a dream that you do not have the capacity to fulfill. Now that doesn’t mean you know everything you need to know on day one. But it does mean that if God gave it to you, he’ll also send you who and what you need to manifest the vision.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Every step in life and in business had already been ordered for us before we were even born. God does not reveal his plans to us all at once because we could not handle it. He gives us just glimpse through visions and dreams, but his plans for us all is to live a prosperous life.
Psalm 5:3 (NIV)
In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning, I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
Begin your day in prayer and meditation, so that you can maintain a peaceful outlook and not start your day in a race. Ask the Lord for the desires of your heart and believe that he will answer.
Romans 8:18 (NIV)
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
You can’t have a testimony without a test. In business, it’s all about upfront sacrifice for long-term gain. What God requires of us is present suffering for future glory in heaven. God wants us to have confidence that he knows the desires of our hearts and he will resolve our issues in his perfect time.
Proverbs 18:13 (NIV)
To answer before listening – that is folly and shame.
We have two ears and one mouth for a reason. It’s always best to listen first in any situation and speak last after you’ve had time to consider fully what has been said.
1 Thessalonians 2:12 (NIV)
…Encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
No matter how successful we become in business, we must always seek to be shining examples of God’s light and love.
Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
It is very important that we as Christians remember always, that we love a God who is a God of first, second, third, forth, and one hundred or more chances if we need his forgiveness. It is important that we forgive ourselves quickly, and not dwell on our past mistakes.
II Corinthians 12:9-11 (NIV)
But he said to me, my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
It is in our weakness that God makes us strong. So we will always have challenges because it is in those times God wants us to lean on him for strength.
Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV)
The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.
Running your business will challenge you in ways you never considered. There will be days when you stumble, but God will always be there to catch you and lift you back up.
1 Timothy 6:12 (NIV)
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Faith is key in business and in a lifetime of happiness. For those of us who are believers, it is important that we witness to non-believers what God has done for us. He died for us on the cross, so that all sin is forgiven, and that we would have everlasting life.
Psalm 23: 5-6 (KJV)
….Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
When you are in business you will develop haters, but it is important that you realize that you don’t have to handle your detractors yourself. God will bless you right in front of them. All you can do with your haters is pray for them.
When I think about how good God has been to me, my family, and my business I could cry tears of joy for hours. I hope that these words from the Bible and my translation have blessed you in your business. I know the road is rough at times, but God’s got your back. He loves you. and if you give your heart him and let him use you to bless others, he will give you the desires of your heart.
God Bless You in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.