By Bukunmi Sobande
Sisters, let's gather here. Okay, come a little closer. Good, now that we are close enough let's have our seat and talk strategy. For any business venture to succeed we need to have a strategy we intend to execute. First we need to know where our passion and strength lies, the opportunity available in this field and how to make money doing what we love.
I find it interesting that God himself has thought out a plan for us, even before we knew we would need one (his plan for us is to bring us good and not disaster). Knowing this makes it comforting that following his strategy is sure to bring us to an excellent future.
So what is the God first strategy? Let’s quickly call our sister Esther the queen and wife of King exerxes. She was tasked with the destiny of saving the children of Israel from destruction. How did she handle it? It was a God first strategy that got her through the door without the king wanting to execute her, this favor extended to him lending a listening hear and feeling emphatic towards her and her people. She won the battle even before the war began. You may ask, how is this ancient story relevant in our day? Just hear me out. The best way to win like successful women in the scripture (Deborah, Jael, Elizabeth, Mary mother of Jesus, Mary of Magdala), who were minorities like us in their time is to put God first and how do we do this? By reminding ourselves and God (though he never forgets) his words/ promises towards us. By being open to hearing what he wants us to do. Going in the direction of his words is a solid plan that gives us anchor in the day of trouble.
Before going for a meeting remember PS 119:98 “ i entreat your favour with all my heart, be gracious to me according to your promise". Also don’t forget PS 119v116 "uphold me according to your promise that I may live and let me not be put to shame in my hope" Duet 8:18. Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath”
For your business Jer 29: 11-13 “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.”
If you’re struggling in your business, remember Rom 8:18 “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us”, ps 37:4 “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart”, Prv 16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans”
When in doubt of your capacity don’t forget Ex 35:35 “He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers”
If you’re still considering what line of business to pursue Is 45:3 “I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name”
When tired and you think you don’t have strength to go on, remember Phil 4:13“ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”
The God first strategy always works, it has worked for countless women in challenging times, it can work for you too.
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