"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5 to 6 (ESV)

This is truly more than a thought dump as I write this. After nearly a decade in business, I always seem to come back to the one thing that not only brings me peace and hope, but my own true definition of success.

Life itself is filled with many ups and many downs. Of course, no matter how prepared we think we are, there will always be something that surprises us that we then have to figure out. While that really is what life is at times, I truly feel like a core aspect of business is the faith that you have.

To me, faith is God. Faith is the Son of Man. Faith is Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. But to you, that might look different, and that's okay; I'm not here to persuade you one way or the other. In my business, God is always the North Star.

Business Is Just a Game

I know that no matter how bad things really are, or as bad as they may seem, they're really not. At the end of the day, business is just a game, and it's all about who plays the game the best. Sometimes things work in your favor, and sometimes they don't. The reason none of that matters is because God has promised eternal life in Him. So even on my worst days, I know that I am saved, and I know that His promises are true as He is perfect. On my best days, I thank Him, because I know if it wasn't for Him, none of this would be possible.

God's Plan

I really like to take a step back and just look at everything throughout my life. Some things went the way that I envisioned them, and some did not. But with everything that has occurred, whether good or bad, I've always found a true, deeper meaning behind it. Even if I didn't understand it, didn't agree with it, or it caught me completely off guard, it didn't matter. What I quickly found out is that it was always part of God's plan for me.

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 (ESV)

If God's plan for me is pure, then who am I to argue? When things don't go according to plan, when things take an unexpected turn, when life seems like it's beating you up, or when business is down, who am I to argue with that situation if it's part of God's plan? I know one way or the other, I'm coming out on the other side a better human being. Being a better human and learning lessons are all things that I strive for at the end of the day, and I think most of us do as well.

Faith Still Requires Work

Now, what that doesn't mean is that it gives you an excuse not to work. The Bible clearly says we are to put our trust in the Lord, but we must work for the Lord to work in our favor. Therefore, if we are not executing, and if we are not doing the things as humans that help us get to where we want to get, then we cannot expect God to shower us with any external blessings. That's not to say that He's not always watching over us, or that He does not have our best interests at heart, but we also aren't doing ourselves any favors.

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:23 to 24 (ESV)

As I sit here and write this, I can't help but be thankful. Thankful that even though things aren't always the way I planned or anticipated, I'm exactly where I need to be. That realization gives me the strength and desire to push forward toward my greater purpose.

Where God Is Pulling Me

One of the things I've always struggled with is knowing where God is pulling me. I get all these ideas, thoughts, goals, and desires, and my heart feels a certain way. But how do I know that they're pure intentions?

Because God is the one who placed them there. He made me special, just as He made every single person reading this special. Without Him, we wouldn't be here. We are crafted in His likeness and in His image, and we all have our own unique desires that He built for us. Everything deep in our hearts, our wants and desires, are placed there by Him. Even if at times they're not meant to be, it's because they are leading us to a certain place.

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 (ESV)

My Story: The OTR Trucking Business

Just an example I can think of: for the longest time, I wanted to start an OTR trucking business. I had my opportunity in 2023 when a few clients dropped me from my media business. Since it was in my heart, I decided to take the risk and pursue it. For 6 months, I studied the market inside and out, learned everything I could, and then executed.

I ran the business for roughly a year, but it didn't pan out. Why? Circumstances outside of my control led to a lawsuit that I had to file. That took me off the road for months, and by the time I was able to return to it, it just wasn't feasible anymore.

But you know what's great? I learned lessons, I pursued something that was truly in my heart, and I actually found success in it. That is an amazing feeling.

Christ Is the Best Teammate

I don't want to go on and on, but at the end of the day, my point is this: business is hard. It's dog-eat-dog, and it requires execution all day, every day, even when you don't realize it. But the best teammate and the best person you can have by your side is Christ Jesus. He makes all things possible, and through Him, all things are possible.

It gives me peace, even when things are not the way I feel they should be, knowing that He is still in control and in the driver's seat. It fills me with gratitude and thankfulness for all that He has provided, because all good things come from Him.

You don't have to understand it, and you don't have to believe in it. But if you're looking for a sense of security, a sense of purpose, and an everlasting love like you've never experienced before, you can find it in Christ Jesus.

If you've read all the way to the end and something in this article spoke to you, please leave a comment down below. I'd love to hear from you.

Thank you so much, and God bless!