"As long as a man stands in his own way, everything seems to be in his way."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
This morning as I ponder the awesome benevolence of God, there is a nugget of truth that I want to share with you today.
The power of prayer begins with the acknowledgement that there is a God who hears us and cares enough to sift through our thoughts and concerns and mete out favor and guidance.
When we humble ourselves to ask for help, we are truly magnifying our abilities. We are accessing a higher ability and a Higher Power.
Still, it is important that this humility stays with us, each and every day. This is where being quick to hear and slow to speak kicks in. When we publicly describe what we hear in prayer as a direct order from God, we are locking ourselves into a lifelong work.
Or, we might be branding ourselves as impulsive, to say the least, or flakey, should the fruition of our mandate be delayed.
So, when we pray for wisdom, guidance, and direction, we are to be slow to speak afterward. When we are required to speak, it would be wise to use terms like, "I believe God is directing me," rather than "God said..." or "God told me...."
Business people are results-oriented and they search for people who do what they say they will do. They will not follow rhetoric; they will follow results. There is not much room for excuses.
Perpetual humility will keep us subtle and crafty. Obstacles will not seem immovable as we stay light on our feet and teachable.
We are to be ever so sensitive to the voice of the Lord, our staff, our customers, our competitors, our family and others. We need to honor what we believe the Lord is directing us to do.
This is not an easy balance, so look for those who have traveled the road you wish to travel and get close to them as you endeavor to become wise and successful. Success is not an accident. Never allow yourself to become the smartest person you know.
Be strong, but be humble.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Faith Exchange is a non-denominational Christian church in lower Manhattan, NY. It was founded by Dan Stratton, a Yale football star who built a successful career on the trading floor of the Commodities Exchange. His original church location was destroyed in the 9-11 terror attack of 2001. Today, Faith Exchange holds services on Wednesdays and Sundays, often featuring guest inspirational speakers.
