By Wes Leake
One of the advantages of being a person of faith in business is that we have daily access to the creator of the Universe, who knows the beginning from the end. He has the best plans for you and your business.
There are some great examples in the bible of God giving specific plans to his people. Some are:
- Noah – God spoke to him about what His plans were for the earth. Then, he gave him his specific rescue plan for his family. This included building an ark with details as to what materials to use, the design of it and how to build it. Then, what to do when the ark was built and what to take into the ark—two of every animal plus the kind of food and how to store it away. (Genesis 6:9-21) At the end of Genesis 6, it concludes with the words: ‘Noah did everything just as God commanded him.’ Is that something God can say about you?
- Joseph – God gave Joseph the interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream, which included outlining what to do during the seven good years so that there would be enough in the land for the seven bad years. This led to Joseph being put in charge as Prime Minister of the country to implement the plan. Of Joseph, it was said that he was ‘one in whom is the spirit of God’ and one whom ‘God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you.’ As a result, Joseph was put in charge of Pharaoh’s place, and all his people were to submit to his orders. Only with respect to the throne was Pharoah greater than him. (Genesis 41). We can ask God for his spirit of wisdom, knowledge and understanding so that we know what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. (Colossians 1:9-14)
- Moses – In Exodus 25 – 27, we see God giving very specific instructions to Moses as to how to build the Tabernacle—from the type of materials to be used to the exact dimensions. This is apart from the specific details around the law. God also said who he had chosen to do the work. Exodus 31:2- 6, says: ‘See I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri and the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God in skill, in understanding, in knowledge and in all kinds of craftmanship, to make artistic designs for work with gold, with silver, and with bronze, and with cutting and setting stone, and with cutting wood, to work in all kinds of craftsmanship. Moreover, I have also given him Oholiab, son of Ahismach, of the tribe of Dan, and I have given ability to all the specially skilled, that they may make everything I have commanded you.’ Not only can God give you the plans but he can also provide the right people for you as well. Have you asked God for the plans and for the people?
There are many other examples in the Bible of God giving specific plans to his people to do what God had called them to do.
God has called you to business. He has the best blueprint for how to run the business he has entrusted to you. Have you asked him?
Bob Beaudine, in his book 2 Chairs: The Secret That Changes Everything, asks three key questions:
- Does God know your situation?
- Is it too hard for him to handle?
- Does He have a good plan for you?
God does know your situation. It is not too hard for him to handle, and he does have a good plan for you.
The question for you is, have you asked him?
James 1:5 says: ‘If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.’
I can remember, as a young business manager, asking God for that wisdom. One day as I was driving to work, I asked God, ‘when will I know that I’ve got that wisdom?’. Later that day, a staff member came into my office and asked me a question, and I answered it without thinking. He then left but came back and said: ‘Wes, you are a wise man!’ It was God saying to me I have answered your prayer.
How do the plans come when we ask God? It may be through something you directly read in His Word. An impression of the right thing to do. Through a conversation with someone. Through picking up a specific book, listening to a podcast or reading the newspaper. Through something your partner says! It can come in a variety of ways. Our job is to recognise that God can use many different ways to speak to us. Or even a dream. The key is to be paying attention to even that ‘still small voice of God.’ (1 Kings 19:12-13)
Our prayer for you is that you will be one in whom the spirit of God dwells, who knows the times and the seasons and who implements that which God is telling you to do.
Wes Leake serves on the board of the Christian Business Network (CBN). CBN holds regular networking events where you can learn, share, network and be supported by other Christians in business. To find out about our events, start a CBN in your local area and/or join our mailing list go to: www.cbn.net.au.
