In the heart of entrepreneurship as Christian wellness coaches (or in any field really), we often find ourselves facing battles - challenges that shake our resolve and test our faith. There have been many of times that we have wanted to give up. The times we are exhausted and simply don't know what to do anymore. Nothing is working. Difficult customers come up. Things don't go as planned. We're losing sales and members... We want to throw our hands up in the air and give in. đ
It's in these moments that we can turn to the story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:3-4 for invaluable insights on achieving breakthroughs in our businesses. 𼚠In this story, it is where the Moabites, Ammonites and some of the Meunites are going to wage war against Jehoshaphat. People had warned him and told him that a vast army is coming against you. He was alarmed by this.
âJehoshaphat was badly shaken by this news and determined to beg for help from the Lord; so he announced that all the people of Judah should go without food for a time, in penitence and intercession before God. 4 People from all across the nation came to Jerusalem to plead unitedly with him.â 2 Chronicles 20:3-4
Here are the four key points we can learn from that Bible verse:
#1. Instead of worrying, focus on God. In times of crisis, Jehoshaphat didn't let fear consume him. He shifted his focus away from worrying and turned his gaze toward God. Remember, worrying is essentially focusing on the fears we have in our business rather than God's promises for us. We are assured that God cares for our needs and He will take care of us no matter what happens. Remember, if it's worth worrying about, then it's worth praying about!
Matthew 6:34 - "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
So, when anxiety creeps in, refocus through prayer and fasting, as demonstrated by Jehoshaphat. Together, we can harness the power of prayer to navigate our entrepreneur storms and find peace just like in Joel 1:14.
Joel 1:14 - "Declare a holy fast; call a scared assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord."
#2. Pray about everything. Jehoshaphat understood the importance of prayer in decision-making. He involved God in every aspect of his plans, just as we should for our businesses. Pray for those closest to you, for the teachers and leaders in this world, for the sick and elderly and for yourself as an entrepreneur. Engage in daily conversations with God throughout your day, what's going on with work, when you're getting ready, when you're cleaning, when you're driving, when you're eating lunch, taking a break or taking a walk.
Psalm 88:9 - "My eyes are dim with grief. I call to you, Lord, every day: I spread out my hands to you."
Matthew 6:6 - "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
#3. Thank God in All Things. Gratitude is the secret ingredient to seeing a breakthrough in your business. The more thankful you are, the more breakthroughs you'll experience. Approach God with thanksgiving, even in business adversity. Shift from asking "Why is this happening to me?" to "What do you want me to learn Lord?" and "How can I use this experience in my business to glorify you?" Thanksgiving is not a mere holiday; it's a way of life. Try to get into a daily habit of expressing your gratitude with a thank you list or journal. You can also do it by giving an offering to the Lord, in the form of a donation to your favorite charity or to your church.
1 Thess. 5:16-18 - "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is Godâs will for you in Christ Jesus."
Colossians 4:2 - "Persevere in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."
Psalm 106:1 - "Give thanks to the Lord, who is good, whose mercy endures forever."
#4. Stay focused on true things. Your thoughts are powerful. To counteract negative thoughts, fill your mind with truth. Seek God's guidance daily by immersing yourself in His Word - even if just for a few minutes every single day. Fix your thoughts on things that are true, honorable, right, excellent, and praiseworthy. This may take some time to get down the mental switch and it will always be a continual habit to improve. But as you do, you'll experience a transformation in your mindset, leading to less stress and more rest.
Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirableâif anything is excellent or praiseworthyâthink about such things."
Continuing in 2 Chronicles 20:9, Jehoshaphat said... "If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us." đ
See just how much faith Jehoshaphat had in the Lord? đ That the Lord would save them from the calamity and delivery them from this distress? What a scary situation, but he was not to be shaken. He trusted that God would turn his valley of struggle into a valley of blessings.
2 Chronicles 20:14-18
"Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly.
He said: âListen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: âDo not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but Godâs. Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel.
You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.ââ
Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the Lord."
I encourage you to read the rest of the story for yourself if you haven't already, let it sit with you. đ In your journey as Christian entrepreneurs, remember that God is with you. Just as Jehoshaphat had tremendous faith in the Lord that he would be upheld and was, you too can experience business breakthroughs through faith, prayer, gratitude, and a focus on God's truth. Surrender your heart to Him, stretch out your hands in prayer, and watch as your troubles give way to confidence, fearlessness, hope, and an assurance of His peace. (Job 11:13-19) đĽ°
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