For much of my career I worked for other people. Even working for bigger companies I had an opportunity to do some completely entrepreneurial work. I always like flexibility, change, the unknown.
I like doing what has never been done in companies where I am told “this is how it has always been done.”
On the outside I am a mild-mannered, calm, consistent force to be reckoned with. On the inside I am the person on the edge of the cliff, heart beating fast, adrenalin exploding as I’m about to take the plunge into the unknown.
No one is pushing me. I am here on my own.
Why?
Because God created me this way. The heart beating fear is my own creation. The desire to be on the edge is His call.
The Christian Walk is Not The Easy Road
People think being a Christian is taking the easy way. You just follow the rules and be a good girl or boy and you will be fine.
I don’t know where this idea comes from. Certainly not from anyone who has tried to follow Jesus.
It’s really confusing actually. It isn’t by works that we are deemed “good” by God. Just following the rules doesn’t cut it. It is by faith.
Yet if you are a high achiever. If you are the one who shows people that what they thought couldn’t be done can. This person wants to work on being the poster child follower. Because that is who I am. That is who you are.
But, that doesn’t count, and “working on it” only classifies you with the pharisees.
You Are Not Alone
You have to have faith. You are standing on the edge of that cliff, wind blowing through your hair, thoughts swirling in your mind, when you suddenly feel a hand enclose around yours. You look to your side and see Jesus standing their ready to jump with you.
When you sign for the business loan to open your own business.
When you purchase the new system that cost as much as a month of your revenues.
As you hire that new associate from the Ivy League school.
When you tell your main client that you don’t agree with the direction they are going.
Jesus is there with you. That is what makes being a Christian business person different.
Taking That Leap of Faith
That is what gives me the final burst of adrenaline that supernaturally moves that first foot off of solid ground. His presence makes me brave. His love makes me grateful. His power makes me feel safe.
These feelings I have learned to understand are Faith.
It is because the Creator of the World chose me that I want to do everything to glorify Him.
It’s What Makes Us Different
It is why I took my business skills and started a Christian business coaching practice. Without God in it, my advice is the same as the tens of thousands of other business coaches.
Because I believe that all Christians should build their business on their Christian values…..
Because I know that God gives us our vision and our dreams and opens the doors to their achievement….
Because I have trusted Him to guide my business decisions and to provide for me as He promises….
Stepping out in faith. Leaping off the cliff. Creating businesses that dare to be different. I have found the path to business success.
Not on the world’s terms. Not on my own terms. But on God’s terms.
If you are a Christian business owner you have probably felt it too. Haven’t you ever felt that God was sending clients/customers to you? Have you ever wondered how you had the energy to work 60-70 hour weeks for months on end? Were you scared? Are you scared?
Remember that you are different. God doesn’t see success as the world sees it. He has a different mission and a different world view. But if you step out in faith. If you follow His path for you personally (and you know He has one for you).
In your heart. In your mind. You will achieve success on a level you have never known before.
And it is that feeling that compels you to climb another mountain. To boldly approach the edge. And to launch a new way of doing business. God’s way.
God’s way is not the way we have always done it!
I can so identify with your desire to include your faith perspective in your coaching. Even Jesus said, “for apart from me, you can do nothing.” I pretty sure he didn’t want to exclude business.
Great to find you through High Calling Blogs!
Hey Cheryl, Every time since becoming a Christian that I have tried to venture into business without it being faith based doors seem to close. So I definitely get “for apart from me, you can do nothing.” With Him, doors seem to open. I am looking forward to getting involved with High Calling Blogs! Thanks for connecting.
I’m.
Sue,
I read your posts and I find myself just nodding along. It’s weird that even though you found your salvation late in life and I found mine very early, the experiences you describe are very familiar to me.
It’s only been a few years now that I came to the realization that God is never going to love me any more or less than he always has. It was after I fully understood and accepted this that I stopped trying to be that poster child Christian and started looking for a truly authentic relationship with God and those around me.
It’s not about me anymore, or how I come across. It’s about Him. That’s an interesting step of faith for me, and one for which I need constant reminders. It’s well worth it though.
Thanks for another great post.
Brad
I think we all need constant reminders that it is about Him. That is why it is great to have others blogging about it to help us all share our own reminders with each other. Coming to Christ so late in life I don’t want to ever lose my way…I am still making up for lost time. Blessings!