A quick guide for Christian Entrepreneurs.
So, we’re entering a new year, a new decade and have no idea what it will bring - opportunities, change of direction, who knows? As entrepreneurs, we experience change all the time, making it hard to have that assurance that our businesses will succeed. Systems change, market behaviours change, industry trends change and consumer buying power changes. As the saying goes, ‘change is a constant’. Regardless of the uncertainties change brings, as Christians, we know that the only one who does not change is God and this is where our confidence comes from. The Oxford dictionary defines the word confidence as ‘the feeling or belief that one can have faith in or rely on someone or something’. With God as our father, we have faith in Him, rely on Him and trust His promises. However, confidence does not come overnight. It comes with hearing, knowing and acting on God’s word.
Here are some of the many things that we need to know as Christian entrepreneurs in order to step into the New Year with confidence.
1. Know the plans that God has for you
God always has your best interest at heart. Here’s a wonderful promise to hold on to. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. His plans are not to harm you but to take care of you, not abandon you, but to give you a good future. This does not mean that you won’t go through difficult times in your business but it lets you know that challenges are only for a time because God’s plans are always good. I remember many years ago when one of my businesses failed miserably and left me in debt. It wasn’t easy but one thing that kept me was that God’s plans for me are always good so I asked Him to show me where I went wrong and He did. I went back to the drawing board, learnt from all the mistakes I’ve made and started over. God knew that I needed to learn these lessons and as a result, this business is still a success today.
2. Know that God has already made provision for that vision
If God gives you a vision for your business, know for sure that He is faithful to that vision and has already made provision for it. He knows all the resources that you need and exactly how you can access them. I remember a few years ago during my prayer time when I felt that prompting to start a new venture. It was totally out of my league, nothing I would ever consider but I had that strong conviction that God wanted me to do it. I remember telling God, I have absolutely no idea how to do this so you’ll have to get it up and running all by yourself….and He did. I remember praying for divine wisdom, and while writing the business plan and proposal it felt like words were being downloaded into my brain. To make a long story short, I received full funding for that venture. The right property was made available to me free of charge for a whole year. The right team came on board with all the qualifications and skills that were needed and we even had a waiting list. Whenever we faced challenges, we saw God’s helping hand at work. I urge you today to walk confidently into the New Year knowing that He will provide what you need for your business to succeed.
3. Know that Divine wisdom is always available for you to tap into.
To run a successful business, you need wisdom. Qualifications alone won’t work. Experience alone won’t work. There will always come a time when you need wisdom. James 1:5 states ‘If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you’. God makes wisdom available to us in so many ways. If you read the book of proverbs, you will find a wealth of wisdom that can be applied to your business. If you find it difficult to understand, I suggest you get the book ‘The Richest Man Who Ever Lived’ by Steven K. Scott. He unpacks wisdom from that book and shows you how he has applied it to his business. Sometimes wisdom may come through a friend, mentor or coach who can share wise counsel. Wisdom can also come from other people’s experiences which they share through books, videos, etc. Sometimes wisdom is just a simple prayer away – ‘Holy Spirit I need your wisdom – please help’, and then you might just figure out the solution to a difficult problem you’ve been facing. What gives us the confidence to step into the New Year is to know that wisdom is always available to us.
4. Know that God is with you
Many entrepreneurs will tell you that being in business can sometimes be very lonely and I can attest to that. However, knowing that you have God, the Supreme One, there with you as you build your business, gives you the confidence to step into the New Year. Isaiah 43:2 states ‘When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze’. This means that in spite of the difficulties you face with your business, God is with you. Even if it hits rock bottom and you have to start over again, get on your feet, brush the dirt off your knees and know that God is with you. Step into the New Year knowing that He is with you in the highs and the lows.
5. Know your source
God is your source. He wants you to depend on Him and know that if He said it, He will do it. If He promised something, He will bring it to pass. If you desire strength to keep that business going, let Him be your source of strength. If you feel anxious about growing your business, let Him be your source of peace. If you need direction, favour or wisdom, let Him be your source. Also, know that your business is not your source. God is your source. When my business failed years ago, I saw God provide all my needs. Therefore, I urge you to step confidently into the New Year looking to God as your source.
6. Know that your future is in God’s past
God already knows your future and is committed to the future He placed in your present. Isaiah 46:10 tells us ‘I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come’. Jeremiah 1:5 says ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…’ Your future is your destiny, the end trapped in the beginning. Everything that you are going through with your business today, high or low, God has already seen it. Nothing is new to Him. Therefore, knowing that God knows every detail of our lives and business, and given that His plans for us are good, we can walk confidently knowing that tomorrow is in His hands.
As you would have observed, every tip begins with the word ‘know’. Confidence comes from knowing. Knowledge comes through hearing. The more we hear God’s promises, the more we know and the more we grow in confidence. This kind of confidence does not replace self-confidence but enhances it because we know that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. This kind of confidence does not call for laziness but us doing our part and letting God do His part. This kind of confidence does not give you a free pass from difficulties, but gives you the peace, assurance and hope that in spite of the challenges you face in business, God will see you through. So as you step into the New Year and new decade, step with confidence knowing that God is with you and will never leave nor forsake you.
About Janice George-Pinard
Janice is a Certified Business Coach whose extensive professional experience in various aspects of business has set her on a mission to help business leaders turn their Vision into Reality. She works with them to develop and implement strategies, best-practice systems and take action steps that will help move their business forward. In addition to Business Coaching, she is an Entrepreneur, Certified Life Coach, Trainer, Wife and Mum. She also works with Christian business owners who desire to run their business based on Biblical Principles.