As if entrepreneurship isn’t lonely enough, then we’ve been forced to stay at home, be alone and not travel to see friends and loved ones. Or for some, we’ve been trapped in the house with our spouse and kids and now adding short-order cook and part-time teacher to the never-ending to-do list. I’m not going to pretend like my faith was not shaken this past year. Times were tough, and I actually asked the question out loud this Summer, “Does the world still need the SmallBizLady?”
But then God whispered a question to me. He said, “Have I ever forsaken you? Has your seed begged bread?” The question caused me to look back over these 21 years in business, to realize the answer was absolutely not.
I had to remember just how much he has blessed me, my family, and my business. 2020 almost got my spirit. I can’t ever remember things being as hard as they have been for so many worldwide. Many of us haven’t seen the inside of our place of worship in almost a year. Yet I feel a renewed strength in the Lord. Problems are platforms of opportunity for our Lord Jesus Christ. He does his best work in the valley seasons. He is in the miracle business and makes a way out of no way, all the time.
You are not the same person when you survive a storm. They are designed to draw us closer to him. Let’s use this time to show compassion, forgiveness, love, empathy, and humility towards everyone. Favorite this post, so when you need a word, you can refer back to it. Martin Luther King Jr. often spoke of the transformational power of love to change the world. Love has to be extended to everyone—even to our enemies. John 4:19 says, “We love because he first loved us.” Towards the end of the last supper, Jesus gave his disciples a new commandment, “Love one another, as I have loved you.”
Here are my ten bible verses every small business owner needs for 2021.
10 Bible Verses Every Small Business Owner Needs for 2021
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged; for the Lord, your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Don’t allow fear or anxiety to overtake you. Do not borrow tomorrow’s trouble; stay focused on today. Be present in the moment. Do things to block out the noise of life so that you can stay encouraged and feel God’s presence. Start your day with prayer, meditation, or spiritual music to level set you to tackle the day.
Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV)
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.
If 2020 left you feeling like God has forgotten about you, don’t you believe that. Our feelings lie to us. Be careful about negative self-talk. Instead, look to the Lord to renew your strength. Don’t focus on what is going wrong; instead, go back and look at all the ways he saved you and brought you through. Stay on your mission. If you lost your business, look for a new way to serve. God might have a new purpose for your life.
Romans 8:28 (NIV)
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
What a blessing it is to serve a God who can make your worst day your best decision in the long run. God’s ways are not our ways, he wants us to be obedient to him, and he will direct our path. He loves us and only wants the best for us.
John 16:33 (NIV)
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
I feel sorry for people who don’t have a relationship with the Lord. Having a sense of peace, no matter what is going on in the world, is a strength that only God could give us. He didn’t promise that we wouldn’t have trouble, but he did promise us a place in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Psalm 25:4-5 (NIV)
Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Hope is such a gift from God. We must pray daily for God to show us how he wants us to walk in this life. By learning God’s truth, you can recognize foolishness and remove yourself from it quickly.
Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Always remember God’s covering. He will seed you with ideas, and rest assured he never gives you a plan that you don’t the inner strength and ability to execute. He also will send you all the help you need. We all need to stay humble and accept help when it comes.
Colossians 1:10-11 (NIV)
So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.
Being in business requires patience, strength, and endurance. You must stay strong enough long enough to win in business. As we study God’s word and practice his teachings, we build the fortitude to weather anything that comes. Your good work and reputation will make room for you. Stay humble and patient; your breakthrough is coming.
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.
We are in this world, but it’s important that we do not become of this world. We live in a world filled with evil and sin. When we meditate on God’s word, we transform our hearts and minds. We are better equipped to show our employees and customers kindness and love, which will attract more business.
Proverbs 16:24 (NIV)
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Words are powerful. You can speak life and death with your tongue. When you are gracious to your team and yourself, you create a culture of goodwill in your business and, more importantly, in your life. Try not to complain too much or make things deeply personal. You must avoid that kind of negative energy. Be appreciative and thank unhappy customers. They are helping you get better. Honest feedback is a gift.
Psalm 73:28 (NIV)
But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.
It is good to be near God and know his peace. In business, we are pushed in ways we could not have imagined when we started. When you are a leader in your home and your business, you can feel a lot of pressure. Be good to yourself. Unplug as often as you can. Forgive yourself quickly and remember that the Lord is your strength and salvation.
I pray that my translation of God’s word encourages as you reopen, reinvent, or execute your digital pivot. I am claiming right now that this will be your best year ever in business. I hope we all learned the lessons we needed to in 2020 to go forward and be great in 2021. You are God’s best. Stay blessed.