By Chika Ebuzor
The business terrain is a competitive one and to stand out, you will have to function with a superior strategy or a distinctive spark of innovation. As believers, we are not left in the dark when it comes to divine strategies for our upliftment. The Holy Spirit in you as a Christian entrepreneur should be your Director Of Strategy and Operations (D. S. O). You cannot function as the Light of the world which God has ordained you to be in the business place by just going about doing the same things that people of the world's system do.
Jeremiah 12:5a (MSG) says: So, Jeremiah, if you're worn out in this footrace with men, what makes you think you can race against horses?
Here are the spiritual keys:
1. Wait on the Lord in worship.
Take your business, industry, customers, challenges and goals to the Lord in the place of worship. Not to complain, but to establish and enforce his Lordship over your concerns.
"Doom to those who go off to Egypt thinking that horses can help them, Impressed by military mathematics, awed by sheer numbers of chariots and riders - And to The Holy of Israel, not even a glance, not so much as a prayer to God" - Isaiah 31:1(MSG).
As an entrepreneur, you should always make out quality time for the Lord. During this period, you come seeking him and not his hand. The bible says that Moses knew the ways of God, but the Children of Israel were interested in His acts (paraphrase).
There is one important note: Whenever you come before the Lord, come as one who doesn't know the way. Come as a child (a blank slate).
Isaiah 40:31 shows us one of the keys. It says, but they that wait (patiently tarry, as in a waiter) upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint. (Words in bracket by me).
This scripture paints the picture of one who is just in the presence of the Lord selflessly showering him with praise and worship, despite their glaring difficulty, an act of selfless service to please their master. That's why Paul describes it as a sacrifice of praise.
Here's what happens when you wait on the Lord this way.
Your strength is renewed, in other words, drawing from the Hebrew rendering, there is a divine topping up (for want of words) in terms of your mental, spiritual, managerial capacity being boosted, as well as an invigoration.
You mount on wings as an eagle. That is, you rise to a realm of possibility where you have a global view and understanding of issues and concepts and you deduce facts from the insights and perspective of the Lord. You're granted a prophetic overview of the industry which you operate in.
Physical stamina and boldness.
2. Wisdom
As you wait on the Lord, you are granted access into divine wisdom (strategy). This kind of wisdom will distinguish you from everyone else.
In Proverbs 8:15, Wisdom speaking of herself, said that by her, Kings (Entrepreneurs) reign (ascend the throne in their industry, gain the advantage).
Habakkuk 2:1&2 says, I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make [it] plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
In other words, when this kind of wisdom (strategy) comes, do not harden your heart because it will lay bare your blind spots and/inadequacies, so as to establish order or point a direction (which sometimes might make you uncomfortable). Habakkuk advices that you write it down (subscribe to it, engrave it in your heart). Engraving can be likened to a tattoo and the process can be discomforting. Be humble enough to accept and make the changes or hard decisions required. Sometimes, this wisdom might come when you are studying the scriptures, as you're reading a book, through a conversation with a friend or just by observing your competitors or your own operation.
Don't miss it because it didn't come through the spectacular appearance of an angel or the way you are used to.
3. Worship
When you receive this divine strategy from the Lord, the next thing you should do is to take it back to him in worship. This time, in the place of worship, you are seeking God's clearance concerning the idea and asking for the specificity of its application in your business context or as it relates to your target market, location or industry.
Regarding this, here is what Jesus said in John 5:39-40 KJV - Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life ( implementation that will give you ownership).
Worshipping God is part of acknowledging him and an act of submission to his Lordship over your life and business.
In John 12:32, Jesus said; And I, if I be lifted (exalted, dignified) up from the earth, will draw all [men] unto me.
As a believer, worship should be your lifestyle.
4. Work it out
Finally, when you get clarity, put in place systems and structures that will aid the implementation of the strategy. Please bear in mind that you will definitely encounter challenges during the implementation phase.
Do not let it discourage you, instead, take the challenge back to the Lord in prayer and worship and seek for more insight. As you do this, you are enlarging your capacity to hear from God and implement divine strategies.
Be sure of this one thing, as the scripture says in 1 John 5:4 - any strategy or idea that emanates from God will certainly overcome the competition.
Thank you for taking out time to read today's article. I pray that the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ makes a way for you and make you the most preferred and sought after in Jesus name. Amen!
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