In our last blog (Part 1), we discussed the following points:
Change is a part of life. Over the life of any business, it is common that sooner or later you will encounter major challenges or setbacks.
How does God expect Christians to respond to change? He expects us to respond with confident hope and expectation, and belief and trust in the promises of His Word.
God is the original “Agent of Change.” He heals, restores, and will turn our situation around in an instant when we submit ourselves and our situation to Him. Live by faith and make Him your refuge. He will restore you in due season.
In part 1, we also looked at God’s promises for restoration in: 1) All things 2) Comfort, joy, peace, righteousness and 3) Deliverance from demons. Now, let’s examine the promises of God in several other areas of our lives:
1. Victory in times of difficulty. In business, the difficulties we face might include the following: competition from competitors for projects or market share, disagreements with vendors or customers over pricing, delivery or quality issue, disgruntled employees, regulatory inspections, audits, or lawsuits. In these and similar situations where we face danger or peril, we must remember God promises to protect those who believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, and those who do not lean on their own understanding but trust and rely on Him.
Though they intended evil against You
And devised a plot, They will not succeed.
For You will make them turn their back;
You will aim with Your bowstrings at their faces. (Psalm 21:11–12)
Cursed is the man who trusts in man
And makes flesh his strength,
Whose heart departs from the Lord.
For he shall be like a shrub in the desert,
And shall not see when good comes,
But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness,
In a salt land which is not inhabited.
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
And whose hope is the Lord.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit. (Jeremiah 17:5-8, NKJV)
Also see Psalm 18:37-40 and Exodus 23:27-30.
2. Family and relationships. Conflicts and disagreements between family members, friends, business associates, and people close to us can pose challenges in business, especially family-owned businesses. Friendships with customers and clients can be tested and even destroyed depending on our actions. In these situations we must put our trust in God and in His Word to restore and repair.
The LORD restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the LORD increased all that Job had twofold. ... He had seven sons and three daughters. (Job 42:10, 13)
Also see John 11:41-44.
3. God’s favor and blessings. God is always faithful. He honors us when we honor Him. He will grant us favor and blessings when we are repentant (change our thinking to align with His) about our sins and obedient to His Word. Disobedience will block our blessings, but God always responds to a repentant and contrite heart with love and forgiveness. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you and His unlimited favor and blessings will abound in your life.
O LORD God of hosts, restore us;
Cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved. (Psalm 80:19)
Also see Exodus 32:29.
4. Inheritance. Inheritance brings increase and abundance.An inheritance is something that is put aside, held in reserve, and promised by one person to another. As believers in Jesus Christ and His finished works on the cross, we received a rich inheritance when we became born again Christians. We became co-heirs with Jesus and recipients to every promise God made in His Word. When we dedicate our business life to God and commit to doing business His way, believing and applying His Word to our work life, we will experience the rich rewards of our inheritance.
Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and prostrated himself. And David said, “Mephibosheth.” And he said, “Here is your servant!” David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will surely show kindness to you for the sake of your father Jonathan, and will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul; and you shall eat at my table regularly.” (2 Samuel 9:6-7)
As for God, His way is perfect;
The word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
For who is God, except the Lord?
And who is a rock, except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength,
And makes my way perfect. (Psalm 18:30-32)
Also see Ruth 4:9-13; and Psalm 68:9-10.
What mess do you face in your business life today? Are you willing to abandon self-effort and turn your problems over to God? Do you believe that He is willing and able to turn your mess into a masterpiece? Do you trust Him to honor His Word? We encourage you to renew your mind and spend time reading and meditating (speaking out loud) on His Word so that your thinking aligns with His.
Next, we will introduce the 3rd part of this series and examine God’s promises for restoration in: Land and property; life, health, and healing; money and wealth; position, honor, and time.
