One of the most difficult things for human beings to do is to change. In times of change and transitions, it’s easy to lose the direction or to feel overwhelmed with uncertainty. These are thirteen Bible verses that are good in any situation but particularly great for those times when you need a little extra guidance and encouragement. Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

 

That’s not to say that people don’t want to change. Just look around. How many people do you know who are dissatisfied with something in their lives? How many people do you know want to change things like their weight, their hair color, their jobs? To find a meaningful change in our lives we need God to direct us, so we can walk through life with purpose.

When it comes to your business, changing your business model can be a tough decision to make, but it’s crucial for some business owners who are in it for the long run. Industries evolve and markets change. Not to mention, your goals and values as an entrepreneur will change over time as well.

 

When you become an entrepreneur, realize that your business model doesn’t have to be set in stone and should probably change and evolve over time.

 

If something isn’t working or you’re not reaching your audience well enough, that should be a huge red flag that’s it’s time to pivot and change things.

The wonderful news of the coming Kingdom of God is the heart and core of Jesus Christ’s message for humanity. Jesus will return to earth and establish this Kingdom.

“For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in Him, all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy” (Colossians 1:16-18).

Our world has changed, and it is no longer taken for granted that the institution of the Church can shape the world around it directly. But the people who make up the Church can still live out the mission given by Jesus to be salt and light in our communities, bringing flavour and vision. Because people haven’t changed, their need for God hasn’t changed and God’s plan hasn’t changed.

If it is business that shapes the world, then why can’t the Church work in and through business to shape the world for good and for God? Shaping it for good brings wealth creation in communities, with greater justice and relief from poverty for the world’s poor, with the dignity of useful labour. Shaping it for God brings ‘life in its fullness’, a life reconnected with the One who made us and loves us, bringing hope and meaning and purpose. All of that is good news and is the motivation for Kingdom building businesses.

For many businesses, the first year of operation can be very tumultuous. But planning ahead, reaching out to obtain the resources you need and surrounding yourself with the right people can ease some of those growing pains.

What Is the Small Business Failure Rate?

20% of small businesses fail in their first year, 30% of small business fail in their second year, and 50% of small businesses fail after five years in business. Finally, 70% of small business owners fail in their 10th year in business.

But God wants us to succeed and be a beacon of light.  Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV) “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”  In order to have a successful business, you must trust in the Lord. God’s will is what is best for us. There will be times when you do not understand why things are happening in your business, but God is always trying to teach us and protect us.

Proverbs 16:23 ESV

The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.

Sales are vital; not just to business but everyday life:

A prospect doesn’t become a happy client without a sale

The unsaved don’t realize their need for Christ without a sale

An interview doesn’t become a job offer without a sale

The single become involved when there is a sale…in fact, it moves to marriage through another sale.

The biggest lesson to learn about sales has that sense of noble purpose – how can I make a difference to my customers – that can make selling a glorious and God-glorifying Christian vocation. What’s your noble purpose in your daily work?