Lessons from "Start with Faith"

I attended “Start with Faith—a Gathering of Entrepreneurs” this past week.  I’d like to share a few insights I gained from this event.

The Dream and the Struggle

I have heard on more than one occasion that with any worthwhile endeavor

the road to success must be traveled with passion, persistence and the ability to take risks.  An entrepreneur begins her enterprise with a vision, a dream in mind.  As the organization grows, so do the challenges.  In order for “ME” to continue to endure the struggle, one of two things must happen:

·        I must grow larger in order to see past the struggle to my dream

·        The dream must grow larger and larger so that I can continue to see it beyond my present struggle

I may grow in my faith or in my skills or in my knowledge—but I must grow, for the struggle I face tomorrow will be different and more substantial than the struggle I face today.  For me to persevere, my own growth and the pursuit of the dream (the victory) must ever be before me.

Christ, Himself, can identify with this reality for as we read in Hebrews 12:

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Our Lord faced struggles similar to the ones we face.  He dealt with struggles that we will never endure.  He persevered and gained victory for His children.

The Fear of Failure

Many of us, particular those among us who are entrepreneurs, realize that we must sometimes “fail our way to success.”  Thus, although we may fear falling down, we do not fear “not rising up again” (and again and again).  Proverbs 24:16 “For the righteous falls seven times and rises again…”  Our faith overcomes our fear.  As one of the seminar speakers stated, “Fear knocked at the door.  Faith answered…and there was no one there.” 

Quit Praying and Get Moving (Exodus 14:15) 

We sometimes make starting a business such an overwhelming task with business plans, marketing strategy, sales forecasts, etc.  There is great wisdom in just getting started by following this simple 5-step formula: 

·        Find a customer

·        Do the work

·        Invoice the work

·        Collect the money

·        Repeat steps 1-4 

Definitions of Success 

The world defines success as follows:

            Accomplishment + Things + Recognition

            ________________________________

                                            Age

Thus, the younger I am when I achieve worldly goals, the more stuff I have at a younger age—the more successful I am. 

Whereas the Christian sees success from God’s point of view: 

            Developing Right Relationships + Right Motives--for God’s Glory

                                                Over the long haul 

After sharing the above, the keynote speaker (a very successful entrepreneur) mentioned that he wanted to move from a life of success to a life of significance.  So many climb the ladder of success for years and years and after they reach the top rung, they find out that the ladder was leaning on the wrong wall. 

It’s important for you to think about how you define success personally. 

Keith 

Subscribe to these Weekly Insights at no cost at www.daystarconsulting.com

Weekly Insight answers to executive questions at http://www.daystarconsulting.com/faq.asp