WOW here we are…the last day of 2019! I don’t know about you but first, this year flew by! Second, it was a year of continued transformation for me as a God-centered entrepreneur pursuing success His way. When I look back one year, I see how my step of faith to launch Hustle with Heart coaching and speaking started with a true mustard seed of faith that all the challenges of the past 4 years were adding up to a testimony about His glory in my story. To see what He’s done this year – the coaching clients and speaking engagements, my first book about to publish, the paths crossed and connections made – I could never have created those outcomes with all my previous driving and striving, that’s for sure! So many times I’ve turned back to Joshua 1 this year and reminded myself to be strong and of courage, to not fear because He is with me wherever I go. So I want to close out 2019 with this reminder to you as you look ahead to what 2020 – and a whole new decade – will bring you if you’re making Him your first priority.
Joshua 1:7 says “Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.”
Are we willing to be strong and very courageous? To not just read the Word but to obey it and be doers of it? Are we willing to keep our focus straight ahead – focused on Christ – without looking side to side comparing ourselves and our journey to others? Friends, building a God centered business doesn’t mean God doesn’t want us to succeed – He has planned for us to succeed and enjoy success by His definition. God’s definition of success is so much bigger than our human definition tied up in tangible things.
Joshua 1:8 says, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
Did you see that last sentence the Lord states to Joshua? When you follow me and my Word, you will prosper and have good success. Success by His definition. To be fruitful for His glory. So much bigger than our worldly definition. When we apply His Word to our business as God-centered entrepreneurs, taking the action that He directs us to take, just watch what He does with our obedience!
Lastly, Joshua 1:9 sums it all up with the most amazing promise ever:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
You know, sometimes as entrepreneurs we think we’re by ourselves, all alone in this work, especially when it seems no one is joining us or following us, or when our action doesn’t look like anyone else’s and it leaves those around us bewildered. We are never alone in this hustle with heart journey as we pursue of success God’s way – He is always with us, waiting for us to lean in and seek His direction.
As you reflect on 2019, it is my hope that you see growth beyond the standard measurements – most especially, growth in your relationship with Christ. And as you look ahead to 2020, my prayer over you is that your eyes, ears, heart and mind are fully open to God’s direction for the new year and that you’ll experience the greatest joy and peace in surrendering your business to His might hand, keeping Him front and center, #1 above all else. Wish you a blessed new year and new decade ahead!