I know it feels like you are the only one – like you are being singled out and dumped on. Intellectually, you understand that lots of others have been in similar situations and felt like you do. But at this point, you don’t care about others, the problem is that you are in the midst of dreary set of circumstances. Things are not going well at home – there is tension in the family, and your spouse and you aren’t clicking. Work is really discouraging. Nothing seems to be going well.
You are overwhelmed with discouragement. Your mind struggles to discover “why” this is happening so that you can fix it. But that “why“ is illusive and you’re just stuck.
I’ve been there. Several times in my career, in fact. There was a point in my business where I had nothing booked, no prospects, very little cash on hand, and no clear path ahead. For months I just scraped by.
Out of frustration I dumped all of my feelings of frustration and helplessness on a friend. “Why is this happening,” I wanted to know.
“It doesn’t matter,” he replied. “The issue isn’t why this is happening; the issue is your response to it.”
“Talk to me about that,” I said.
“Why this is happening is up to God. He knows you are here, he knows your circumstances, He knows how you are feeling and what you are thinking, and He is allowing it. For his reasons. He may be preparing you for the next step on your path, or he may be laying the groundwork for something bigger and better, He may be shaping your character. At this point, it really doesn’t matter. You’ll see how He has worked it out in retrospect, when you look back at this time.
For now, what is important is how you respond. Instead of looking inward at yourself, look upward and come closer to God. Spend more time in prayer and study, develop a closer relationship with him, and trust him to work it all out. Remember the story of Job, who lost everything, and then God replaced them with better versions. Look at what you have and make the best of it. Use this as an opportunity to build your trust in God and wait on him.”
It turned out that was great advice. I knew, of course, what he said was true, but I was so deeply into the morass of self-doubt and frustration that I couldn’t see that truth on my own. I needed someone else to remind me.
Since then, I’ve lived through a whole host of discouraging situations. I’ve had two significant financial reverses, I’ve lost a daughter and a grandson, and I’ve had several times when the business looked like it wouldn’t survive a month or so. And, I’ve survived and come out better, stronger and closer to God as a result.
I’ve added a couple other ‘go to’ practices to get me through these times.
Slow times are a gift
I’ve learned to look on the slow times in my business as a gift. When I’m not enmeshed in the ebb and flow of business transactions and all that comes with a thriving business, I’ve had time to do the deeper work that the ordinary press of events prevents: Reviewing my systems, tightening up procedures and policies, shifting job responsibilities, creating the next new things, etc. The slow times almost always ushered in a time of more rapid growth.
Expand the time spent with other Christians
Make it a point to spend more time with other Christian businesspeople. It may be that you’ll happen across a word or comment that seems sent directly from God. He often speaks to us through other people. Or, it may be that just the interaction with other Christians will lift your spirits. Or, it may be that you have just the right stuff for someone else in need. Regardless you are bound to gain something from more time with your colleagues.
This may be a great time to join a local Christian business group. Almost every municipality has one. They meet regularly to support and encourage one another. If you can’t find a local group, consider my CBIG (Christian Business Impact Group) which meets via video technology from points around the continent.
Increase your giving
I know, this one sounds crazy. But it has become one of my go-to strategies for those times of financial insecurity. If you have been giving five percent of your income, bump it to six. If you have been giving 10 percent, increase it to 11. It is a real, tangible action – not a prayer, not an intention, not a good idea – a real tangible action you can take that says to God. “I trust you to see me through this and to provide for me, my business and my family. I trust you.”
Whenever I passed through a time of adversity, I always found myself making more money and being more fulfilled in the new circumstances.
One of my mentors once said to me, “One thing you can count on is that things will change.” At some point, you will look back at this time, and give God thanks for the work He did with you during it. You’ll see his hand in your life and be grateful.
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