Have you ever been or are you now at this very time – Business Scared?
In John 6:15-21, NKJV “Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, got into the boat, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was already dark, and Jesus had not come to them. Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing. So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.”
When they saw Jesus walking on the water, they were terrified. Of course they were. Storms are bad enough, but ghosts make them worse. Are we seeing things? Are you imagining the worse? Surely no one can be walking on a convulsing sea. Who does that? God does that.
The answer to their panicked prayers is coming towards them and their fear is palpable–and understandable. When God comes, we are not always ready for Him, because He comes in ways beyond our expectations. God shows up in our crisis moments in ways we aren’t looking for, likely so we will realize that He is no ordinary visitor to our troubles. When you pray, are you ready for a surprise, or do you envision what the answer will look like? If so you may miss the surprise answer that God has for us. And worse yet, as did the disciples, you may not recognize God’s hand at all and discount His actions.
God continues to pursue His disciples. He has the power to conquer any trouble we or our business may face. He has the capacity to overcome those things that threaten to overcome us. Yes, His powerful presence is more than we can bear and we often shrink back in fear, as did the disciples. But it’s Him, and soon our fears of Him will be subsided by His simple words, “Be not afraid.” And you, as did Peter, may be invited out of your safe little boat onto the water. Wow, that’s often what it takes to build a business. Do you know that feeling?
And as did Peter, you begin to sink when you trust in your own abilities and take your eyes off the Lord. Do you know what I’m talking about? You know that terrible “sinking” feeling! In God’s mercy He gently takes you by the hand and lifts you up. Another wow! How many times He has pulled me out of a sinking business hole. What a savior!!!!
Fellow business leader, hear Him again when He says, “Be not afraid.” Or when He looks at the storm in which your business may be in and says, as only He can, “Peace Be still” and the storm goes away. In an instant Christ can calm the storm and have your business sailing on a calm sea. I want Him to always be in my business boat with me!
What a wonderful way to run a business!
