To run a small business is a spiritual journey as much as it is a road trip to business success. Along the road, you will be tested, stretched and stressed! Many who own their own businesses may at times feel overwhelmed and find it difficult to know how to pray. What can you pray for your business to be at the centre of God’s will? Which promises from Scripture can you apply in prayer?
Pray for God’s purposes to prevail.
The following verses can help keep you grounded and focused in praying for God’s purposes to prevail in your life and that of your business or workplace.
1. God is faithful
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:11-13).
Everyday challenges can sometimes cause you to wonder if God is still with you, or whether you are doing something wrong on your side. In successful businesses, we must learn to trust in the Lord wholeheartedly. God always has your best interest at heart, regardless of what you see in the natural. Whenever your business goes through challenging seasons, God will always be present to lead, teach and protect you.
2. Keep calm
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18).
We would not know good days, if it were not for bad days! So, we need to thank God for the bad days too! Often in business, when we don’t close a sale or get a contract that we invested a lot of time in, we can take it personally. It is important to view such times in proper perspective.
When you don’t get a contract, ask the Lord why, but do not become angry. It is possible that such a contract may not be to the benefit of your business in future. At other times it can be that God sees into the hearts of those individuals, and knows that they do not walk uprightly in their way of doing business, which may later on implicate your business’ integrity. In such cases, God allows it to protect you. Ask Him to help you hear His voice and discern clearly every business transaction you do.
3. Use what you have
He has filled them with skill to do all manner of work of the engraver and the designer and the tapestry maker, in blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine linen, and of the weaver—those who do every work and those who design artistic works. (Exodus 35:35).
God has given everyone talents they can use to generate an income, but that doesn’t mean everyone should start their own businesses right away! Pray and wait on the guidance of the Lord before starting a business. Also, study the specific line of business you are interested in carefully before embarking on that road. Be sure you count the cost of what will be needed to start and maintain the ideas you have for at least 18 months before investing in such an endeavour.
In the meantime, take initiative to develop your business and leadership skills so that you can turn your talent into a real business at the appropriate time.
4. Do not be timid
Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
There are many who do not follow Christ in the business world. When you share what Jesus did for you it might be the only time they will ever hear such a testimony. What a privilege! (Psalm 37:4).
Always remember who you are in Christ and who Christ is in you. Never hesitate to share your testimony with others about what the Lord has done for you in business. Your identity is always in Christ, and your business successes or accomplishments are given as opportunities to testify about and glorify Him!
5. Start out right
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. (Joshua 1:8).
The most important thing you can do for yourself, your family and your business, is to pray daily. When you start each day in meditation and prayer, it will help you stay calm to face and handle every day’s challenges. Often the Holy Spirit will use a principle from your daily Bible reading to help you take wise decisions.
6. Pray, test, implement
Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established. (Proverbs 16:3).
There is great wisdom in testing a business decision with the Lord in prayer before implementing it. You can also test your ideas with your spouse or business partner, inviting them to pray with you on such matters. Test every dream, vision and idea with Scripture. Do not be in a hurry, wait on the Lord until you have peace. Once the Lord gives you His direction, boldly follow that path.
7. Be honest
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39).
Everyone makes mistakes, and this will also be true of you! If you have done something wrong, or made a mistake, admit it to the Lord in prayer. Do not hide anything from Him or try to fix a mistake yourself. Repent and He will forgive you. If you come to Him with your whole heart, He will help you.
Be quick to also forgive and pray for others who may have wronged you. Be sure to also ask the forgiveness of others where you were in the wrong.
8. Give thanks
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. (2 Corinthians 2:14).
Whether we feel like it or not, to give thanks to the Lord in all circumstances is acceptable to Him (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Be thankful that you know God, and for all of His goodness towards you. God wants us to be fine examples of His light and love. Testify to others of His goodness. Make every effort to honour His name and testify of Him.
9. Do good
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Galatians 6:9).
As you establish your business and start putting people, infrastructure and processes in place, remember to also do good to others. Do not wait until the business becomes successful before starting to help others. God will have many people cross your path in business whom He wants to bless or encourage through you. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you those opportunities.
10. Unto the Lord
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24).
First and foremost, remember to keep God at the centre of everything you do in business. Keep your focus on Him!
