I am not sure if anyone else is this way, but I have this ability to deceive myself and use God to support whatever I want to do in my business. (Don’t worry, nothing criminal, just not letting go of control!) If you know me then you know I am all about following God’s will. But when I look at the excuses I tell myself I see so clearly that I am in “subconscious control mode”! Here is a perfect example – should I focus on growing my business? I change my mind more often than the seasons change. Sometimes I go through multiple scenarios all in a single day. Somehow I find a way to support my position du jour with what I have read in scripture or what I believe the Holy Spirit is telling me.
Here is a glimpse of the rapid cycling thoughts I have:
- I really need to grow my business. God gave me gifts and talents. Aren’t I supposed to use them? [This of course is because I no longer work the crazy long hours so subconsciously I think I am slacking!]
- God says in Eccl 3:1 there is a season for everything under the sun. I believe this is my season to stay focused on my family. My business is great, but I don’t need to grow right now. [Because I don’t want to go back to the crazy hours and this is truly how I felt the past 4 years. But when does the season change?]
- My family doesn’t need me as much anymore. I want to be engaged in serving the Lord. Maybe I need to start some programs, volunteer, work a few more hours.
- I need to just get over myself and step out in faith. I seem to grow in spite of myself. The things I think I should do are so outside of my comfort zone. Am I lacking faith because I don’t want to do them?
It get’s exhausting. I can give God a different voice for any different mood I am in. Yes, it is scary when my mood changes so drastically in a given day. But, that is why I believe I need to proactively make God a part of my business every day. I need to invite Him in when I am at peace and when I am creating chaos. I have found that if I try to stay focused on the black and white of God’s word and trust that His Holy Spirit will lead me through the grey of life, business situations, people interactions, and yes, even my moods, my business continues to bear fruit. When I ride the roller coaster of my moods and only really give up control to God when I am mentally and/or physically fatigued I usually end up right where I started, but a lot more tired. A lot of worry, action, and wasted effort.
What are your thoughts about bringing God into your business?
Sue,
I struggle with this on a daily basis too. I find myself getting a glimpse of God’s plan for my life, and then I quickly take back the controls. It’s like I say to God, “Thanks. I know where you want me to go. I’ll take it from here.” I wonder sometimes if God ever looks down on me and thinks that I remind Him of Lucy holding the football for Charlie Brown promising not to move it.
My life verse is Romans 12:1, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” It became my life verse because I found that I had a tendency of crawling off the alter and not being a very good living sacrifice.
The results are always the same as yours. You’d think I would be a little smarter by now. What has helped me some is having an accountability partner with whom I discuss my extended moods, fears, desires, etc. Having another set of eyes on my life combined with his prayers has kept me on the alter just a little longer each time.
Brad
Hey Brad, You probably have heard the Casting Crown song Between the Altar and the Door. Your mention of the altar reminded me of it. It is a great song if you haven’t heard us and is comforting to know that others have the same struggle, although from God’s standpoint it probably is a little sad! As you mentioned, I just try to stay on the alter longer!
Sue,
They are my favorite band. All of their songs have such a great and powerful message. That song definitely fits my struggles.
Brad
i need a website,to start ,,but my problem ,,i have little faith in myself,but not God,,i just don’t know if what i do is important to people,at such a low economy,,but things are looking greater for the economy . i got i just have little faith,,be blessed