A friend of mine posted twice recently in a Facebook group we are both in. The first post was about being disheartened and how someone had called her dishonest and degraded her business efforts. This left her feeling crushed and discouraged. The next week she posted in the same group. She referred to her previous post about being disheartened, but now a different person who she was offering the same service to responds with, “…You are appreciated. You are a God send. I have been praying lie never before…you are an answer from God…”
I was thinking of the contrast between these two posts and how quickly things can change. I can too often focus on the negative, on how things are not where I want them to be, and how (in my own head) "I am failing." And then, God puts something in front of me that I didn't expect. Something that is more than I could have imagined.
The last few weeks as a church we have been fasting from social media on Sundays. We are in a series focused on rest & sabbath. When we were invited to join the weekly Sunday fast my first thought was, “I’m not sure that is something I want to agree to” because so much of my business relies on my interactions on Facebook. And, at a time when I’m still working to get my business to a level that is self-sustaining with recurring revenue, I thought, “Now is not the time to slack off.” That first Sunday as I sat listening to the lesson that my son-in-law gave, I heard something new to me. Funny, I’m 52, been a Christian all my life, have a master’s degree in Christian ministry, 15 years of volunteer work in Youth Ministry, and 10 years as a full-time pastor…yeah…we can always learn something new.
This Sunday I learned that Sabbath rest was not just about rest, sleep, relaxation, recuperation, recharging, and rejuvenation. Those are included, but Sabbath rest is more about this ONE…BIG…THING! Reliance on God for provision.
How could I have missed that? How through all these years have I thought that sabbath rest was about me? Figure the odds…I made it about me. When I rest from my work, especially when I don’t want to, with the intent and focus that I am resting in the arms of God, I am proclaiming to myself and to the great Creator that I am dependent on him for my provision.
After a lot of effort, money, and time over the last six weeks, I’ve grown weary and have resigned myself to the idea that my agency ad campaign has to date been a failure. Not one solid prospect out of 100+ leads and more money on ad spend than I’d like to have speont. I’ve sent FB messages, I’ve texted, I’ve emailed, I’ve called. 60% have been older people who didn’t know what they were clicking on, and the other 40% just won’t communicate at all. This hasn’t been a careless setting-up of an ad and hoping things would work out, as if spending enough money automatically gets results. I’ve been working with someone who is helping me test, explore, try different approaches, etc. We’re not done yet. But I’m sure you can understand the negative attitude one can get after such a situation.
Yet, at this very time in my life and my businesses growth, I’m reminded of the importance of relying on God and sabbath rest. So, I rest on Sunday. I fast from social media. I allow in my life and in my mind, time for God to provide. I remind myself and pray to God, “God, you are the provider of all I need. You are the giver of great gifts. In you I shall not want. You lead me into green pastures and beside quiet waters for your name sake. And although I may walk through trouble and sorrow, to the very face of my own mortality, I will not fear. For your staff and your rod, your guidance, and your protection, give me great comfort. You honor me in front of my enemies, you are the one who sets provisions in front of me. You fill my cup beyond its ability to contain your blessing. I am certain, very certain, that your goodness and love will dwell with me my entire life. For now and for always I will, I must dwell in the presence of the Lord.
I almost forgot to mention that thing that God put in front of me. That thing I didn’t expect. About two weeks ago, when I was feeling like my friend, disheartened and discouraged, I received a call, that turned into a meeting, that turned in to a exploration of possibilities with a company. We have no idea how this exploration of opportunity may turn out, but I can tell you that my heart is in a much better place relying on God than it was when I forgot to acknowledge God’s work in my life and the life of my business. Although I will work hard, and do my best, I rely on God to provide. I rest in his arms. Although I will seek to truly see if my offerings provide a solution for this company, I will not try to force my will into this situation. He guides my path. Although I would love to land this contract, in the big scheme of things, I rely on God’s provision whether this contract comes to fruition or not. The Lord is my shepherd and I rely on him for my provision.
Below this is a link to a YouTube video my church put together during the COVID pandemic. It was a time of separation and uncertainty. Sort of like these moments we have when we feel like we’re failing, like we’re alone, like we are not capable. This prayer reminds us that the Lord leads us, guides us, provides for us, and protects us.