As leaders, we will experience uncertainties and likely some anxious moments. These ups and downs can go along with business cycles, world and economic events. In these times, stay focused on following God and pursuing first His kingdom. This aligns us with His purposes and honors Him as His stewards. When we do, He promises to provide for what we need. (Matthew 6: 8-11) As business owners and leaders, this will require faith. In return, it will lead us to a deeper Trust in God, and will result in obeying Him daily. These biblical principles are illustrated in the Christmas story of Jesus birth as captured in Matthew 1: 18-25.
Carrying Out God Given Visions Will Stretch Us
Going into this Christmas week, I am reminded that unto us a child was born, and a King was given. Our Lord and Savior left His home in Heaven to be born, briefly live and ultimately die for us. As a result, He has saved us from our sins, and provided a pathway to spend eternity with Him in Heaven.
There is another part to this story I wanted to highlight. One that serves as an example of what God is calling us to do as leaders. He is calling us to trust and obey as He leads us each day. Let us consider Joseph, soon to play an earthly father role to Jesus. He was set to marry his bride, Mary, and finds out she is pregnant. Knowing they had kept their relationship pure, he made plans to divorce quietly as to not publicly disgrace her. As was prophesied, God had much bigger plans. Through a dream, He gave Joseph a vision for what had happened through the Holy Spirit and what he was to do next. He was to take Mary as his wife, allow for the birth of a son, and name Him Jesus. He was going to save his people from their sins.
We Choose To Trust And Obey
Joseph had a choice to make. He could continue forward with his plans, or trust and obey the direction he had received from the Lord. We all know how this worked out and a Savior was born and eventually died for the sins of the World. In faith, Joseph obeyed the Lord and all of the world has been blessed, just as was promised by the Angel.
Of course in the context of our business lives, the choices we make are not on the same scale of Christ’s birth and its implications for all of the world. However, on a daily basis, as leaders, we have an opportunity hear a word from the Lord, and to step out in faith to trust and obey. In doing so, we can play our part in carrying out God’s plans in the marketplace and impact eternity.
Monday Morning
We will experience similar times where we need to step out in faith, pursuing the dreams God has called us to strive towards. As God honoring business owners and leaders, we will likely go through what seems to be times of drought in our businesses. These uncertainties will test our faith, just like it did Joseph.
As you have likely experienced already, leading and operating your business each day takes a tremendous amount of faith. You are not just an employee showing up, doing your work and getting a paycheck. You feel the weight and responsibility of the company on your shoulders. This is healthy and a natural part of your God given leadership role, however, I encourage you to never lose sight of the fact that God ultimately owns everything, and that We R Stewards of these amazing opportunities.
The experiences and decisions we need to make will not always be clear and easy. As you have likely experienced, much we do in business has some degree of economic impact, which is what we tend to focus on. However, keep in mind that this is only a part of the impact we have as God Honoring leaders. What is vital is how you view the role God has given you, and where you place your faith. With this mindset, we can lead within our businesses towards maximum impact and success. God can use us for His eternal plans, purposes and glory.
If you would like to go deeper on these subjects and ways to bring Glory to the Father, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at randy.earnst@we-r-stewards.com, or visit our website at www.we-r-stewards.com
