What Does Faith Have to Offer Entrepreneurs in Times of CrisisSampl

As entrepreneurs, we know that there will always be difficult times. There are times when entrepreneurship can be rough and tough. When you seem to lose perspective and fearful emotions take over. When you feel all alone, despite all the people around you. At the ultimate extremity a deep feeling of loneliness and desolation, at which point you fail to see any light or perspective. Paul also knew this feeling: ‘For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself’ (2 Cor. 1:8). Yet, this adversity that was beyond Paul’s strength is not the end for him. He knows a way through these difficult circumstances. He holds on to something bigger than himself. He is aware of his limitations as a human being. Therefore he says, ‘But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead’ (2 Cor. 1:9).

The wonderful thing about God is that we can trust Him. For this is part and parcel of his love for us as proven by Jesus’ death on the cross (Rom. 8:31-32). It is guaranteed by God’s love because God’s character is love irrespective of who we are (1 John 4:10 and 16b). He is love. This love for people will never stop, whatever happens in our lives (Rom. 8:38-39). This love finds evidence in the death of Jesus Christ so that God can be close to us as a loving Father. A Father who cares about us, who comforts us and encourages us (2 Cor 1:2-3). It is this love of God for us that never leaves us, how no matter how heavy our burdens are. His name is ‘I am’: I’m here now, I’ll be with you in the future (Ex. 3:13-14).

This is also the personal testimony of Arthur, a good friend, and bank manager, who was at the point of taking his own life after he had been caught for fraud. The moment the fraud was discovered and he was dismissed, his whole life collapsed. He lost everything at once. His name, his reputation, his income, his credibility, and his future. He would never be able to get a job in the financial world anymore, nor a top position in the business world. The moment he tried to kill himself, he remembered the Alpha course he had followed with some business friends (the Alpha course is a course that helps you discover the Christian faith). There he had learnt that there is a God who cares about him and loves him, regardless of what he had done. This saved him from committing suicide. Because there is someone who loves him and can give him a new future. Arthur is still alive. He got another job and is currently on a journey getting to know this God even better.

Question for the day
Go back in your mind to a moment of personal crisis. What were you looking for?