Great Unexpectations
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Purposeful Pathway is a haven for faith-based entrepreneurs. Part of my mission is equipping faith-based businesses with information that is practical, actionable and Scriptural.
The theme of this post is growing your faith-based business through great unexpectations!
We all know that we reap what we sow. “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7) Sow apple seeds and, with the right climate, sun exposure, moisture, soil pH and fertilization, you will likely bear some apples in due time.
The more we sow seeds, the more we reap fruit…yet sometimes in indirect and greatly unexpected ways!
For example, I recently started to change one of my home-study programs. No one else knew I was in the process of making these changes; yet, while I was in the midst of this process, an unexpected number of people started to ask about my home-study programs. There is no direct correlation, as the changes had not yet been published; but the “energy” of sowing allowed me to reap a reward. As another example, I began to restructure my group coaching program in order to better serve my clients. Once again no one else knew about this undertaking; yet, while in the midst of this, I enrolled more clients than usual into my individual coaching programs. This was certainly an unexpected result. As yet another example, I started to homeschool my children in order to deepen their knowledge and strengthen their faith; this was an “illogical” step to take in my life, as I already had a tremendous amount on my plate being a single mother, sole provider and solo-preneur. Yet God led me to this decision; since I started homeschooling I have enrolled more clients than usual and have found ways to enjoy more free time with my family. These various “great unexpectations” have been eye-opening, heart-warming and business-boosting!
So how can we apply this principal practically in business? How can we grow our businesses with great unexpectations?
- Write down at least three activities you have been thinking about doing for some time but, for whatever reason, have not yet implemented. Maybe one activity is hosting a teleseminar? Tweaking your web site? Hiring a virtual assistant? Capture these ideas on paper.
- Review the list and document why you have not acted on these ideas. Is it fear of wasting time? Fear of failing? A feeling of being overwhelmed? Uncertainty about how to go forward? Be honest with yourself and write freely.
- Choose at least one activity from the list and commit to move forward. Afraid it will be a waste of time? Remember that the learning experience alone can be invaluable. Is failure a strong possibility? See the failure as an indispensible rung on the ladder of success. Overwhelmed? Break the activity into small, time-lined steps. Not sure how to go forward? Commit to research. “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it.” (Luke 14:28)
- Once you commit to the activity, do something to hold yourself accountable. Make an announcement to your clients; create a web page for the event; share with your social media following; add the endeavor to your newsletter. When your commitment is “out there” you are much more likely to stay on track. This can be a powerful step particularly for perfectionists. If you prefer something to be “perfect” before releasing, this action step will pull you from the time- and energy-wasting mire of “perfectionizing.”
- Move forward and release the results to God. He has led you thus far, and He will grant you the results that are perfect for your path – even if they are not the results you expect! So often we envision a “cause and effect” in our minds. And, yes, there is certainly a cause-and-effect momentum in business and in life. Yet our glorious God often reveals effects that are never expected. Such is the blissful beauty of an unfolding purposeful pathway! Perhaps hosting that teleseminar did not bring about the immediate clients you expected, yet it connected you with a colleague for a joint venture. Perhaps that radio interview did not bring as many web site visitors as you had planned, but it provided an opportunity for a speaking engagement. When we commit our businesses to God, we can surely have great unexpectations!
- Log your excellent and unexpected fruit. What unexpected fruit have you received from God due to your activities? What miraculous results came about? Record these in your business journal that they may be remembered!
- Celebrate the fragrant fruit given by our Father! “So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” (1 Corinthians 3:7) Reaping unexpected fruit opens our eyes all the more to the fact that our Father alone makes things grow. We can be the most astute of planners, but God’s plan is always sovereign. Celebrate, then, the joy of releasing all to Jesus!
“But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8)
I am excited for you as you grow your business with great unexpectations!
If you need help with this powerful process, I invite you to join me in the Purposeful Pathway Business Academy here. Attract your ideal clients and powerfully boost your business in just 7 weeks! Also: sign up for this group coaching program by September 20th and earn valuable bonuses!
Let’s pray. Glorious Giver of things that are great and unexpected, we delight and rejoice in You! Thank you for providing perfectly for all our needs. May we faithfully sow seeds for Your glory and trust only in You to bear the fruit we need. Help us to remember that, of ourselves, we can do nothing. We love You with all our hearts, minds, strength and souls. It’s in Jesus’ Name that we pray. Amen.
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