Listen, I know what it's like to want something real bad. Like real bad.
A milkshake.
A big sale for my business.
A good report and even deliverance from God.
Regardless of how badly I want something though, I still have to have faith for it, which almost always requires me to do something. Even if that something is sending a follow-up email, leaving a voicemail, or going on a fast. The fact remains that I have to contribute to it all working together for my good. Obviously, some works are easier than others but works are a necessary part of having faith in God, which is also why I have and continue to put in a lot of work to get to where I am today -- healthy, content, joyful, and at peace in Christ.
"What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." - James 2:14-17
In two days, I'll celebrate 5 whole years of full-time entrepreneurship, which I am still in a bit of disbelief about. From the very beginning of my journey of owning & operating a small business, I had no idea what I was doing and to be honest, I'm still trying to figure things out. I cussed and fussed. Cried and whined to my friends day & night. Supported and promoted things that I shouldn't have and abandoned the local assembly for awhile too. Still, no matter what valleys I found myself in or how many dodo brain mistakes I made along the way, I kept standing on my faith in God because Jesus was and still is the most consistently reliable person in my life til this very day.
The LORD has opened doors for me that no man can shut and closed doors to me that would've defiled what I've built or possibly destroyed me altogether. The fact that I'm still here working and serving feels like a miracle. God has provided for me in ways that only He can get the glory for and even now He insists on me having complete trust in Him no matter what's happening in and around the world.
However, just in case you'd like to bypass some of the heartache and delays I've experienced as a result of being naive, rebellious, and downright foolish then I'd highly recommend that you start putting in the work now instead of later. Work as in praying regularly and fasting often. Reading the Holy Bible as intently as you read the comments section on your favorite social media platforms. Worshiping God with and without background music (He wants to hear your sound). It's time to stop putting off what is vital to your overall well-being! Because while we do serve a God that wants us to prosper, you must be willing to do your part in going from surviving to thriving.
