In the world of business, I found that patience and waiting feel counterintuitive to success. However, as Christian business people, we are called to align our strategies and decisions with God’s timing. When I was 25 years old, I launched my first business with a grand vision to change the world and make a lot of money. Eager to see my dreams come to fruition, I tirelessly worked day and night, making strategic moves and pushing for immediate results. However, despite my efforts, I faced numerous setbacks and roadblocks along the way. After 20 years in business and a crossroad ahead, I cried out to God and asked him if it was time to sell. As the words came out of my mouth, I pulled up on a car with a personalized license plate that spelled “SELOUT!” I even argued with God, as I thought the word may be “French” for something other than selling my business. I’d love to tell you that I listened to God and did what He said, but I thought I was too young to sell my business. Heck, I was only 45 years old and had no desire to retire or start over. All I can say is when God speaks, you better listen!
Isaiah 55:3 (NLT)
3 “Come to me with your ears wide open.
Listen, and you will find life.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you.
I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.
So, What… for This Week?
Don’t be like the 45 year old John and when you seek God’s wisdom…LISTEN when He speaks! Invite God into your business decisions by seeking His wisdom through prayer and take intentional time to listen for His voice and align your plans with His purpose. Develop a Kingdom mindset and shift your perspective from the world’s definition of success to a Kingdom mindset. Rather than pursuing immediate gratification and short-term gains, focus on building a business that aligns with God’s values and principles. Prioritize integrity, servant leadership, and the well-being of others in all your business dealings. Cultivate patience and trust by recognizing that waiting does not signify inactivity, but rather a season of preparation, growth, and refinement. Another thing I didn’t do, until it was too late, was to seek the guidance of wise and seasoned mentors. Surround yourself with individuals who share your faith and values will provide invaluable support, accountability, and insights as you navigate the waiting season. Their wisdom and perspective can help you discern God’s timing more clearly.
So what happened to me you ask? Well, I went through a season of almost 10 years in the wilderness learning the hard way to listen to God and to trust His timing for business (and life). I don’t look back in regret because the last 15+ years have been rich with growth opportunities. I wouldn’t want to wish what happened to me on anyone else, but God works everything out for His purpose!