By Gladys Chandia
The past 6 months have been the most enlightening period I have had in my relationship with God. However, the more enlightened I become, the more foolish I seem to be. I say this because I have had quite a number of what seems to be phenomenal business opportunities that have come my way. This includes joint ventures, consulting and other opportunities in various African countries. For one of the opportunities, I was even offered a transaction success fee of 10%, quite a few basis points above industry standard. Yet, with most of the opportunities presented, I have been guided by the Holy Spirit not to proceed.
As foolish as it might seem, the restlessness within me with each of the opportunities was a clear indication that I should not proceed. To the carnal eye, opportunities to realize exponential business growth in what is deemed as the final frontier market (the African continent) for ridiculously high ROI’s (Returns on Investment), should be taken advantage of as a matter of urgency. Though I initially could not explain it, I recently came to the realization that I am a fool for God.
It is difficult for someone who is always hailed for being intelligent to admit and accept this. However, if I had to choose between Godly wisdom and carnal intelligence the clear winner is Godly wisdom. I am learning that benefits from applying Godly wisdom every day far outweighs that of carnal cleverness. Proverbs 2:6 refers to God as the source of wisdom. It does not refer to God as a source of wisdom. Furthermore, James 3: 17 (KJV) says: “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy”
James 3:17, I have only just realized is a litmus test for business decision making. On most fronts the projects I have turned down in the last 6 months have failed this litmus test. Fortuitously, my most recent project passes the James 3:17 litmus test. However this project is on paper, one of the least attractive of the opportunities I have been presented with over the same period. Despite the risk factor being through the roof, I have been called to step out in faith.
When God calls us to step out in faith He reveals Himself as (1) a provider (2) a healer and (3) a protector. The book of Exodus clearly demonstrates this. I not too sure what lies ahead for me for my new venture. What I do know is that I shall bask in that which the One that loves me the most, has chosen for me. Apart from the obvious blessing of growing the business, I know that by applying Gods wisdom, there are embedded blessings that I am not aware of, but excited to receive in the near future.
Have you had similar experiences in the work place? Please share your stories with Top women for God. Your stories will inspire readers to step out in faith, heeding Gods call to an abundant life (John 10:10).
Gladys Chandia is a project manager and co-founder of Notable Beginnings Consulting (NBC). NBC provides business development and business linkages (FDI facilitation) services for companies that wish to penetrate new markets on the African continent. For more information email gladys@notablebeginningss.com
Good one Gladys. Keep up the sensitivity to the Holy Spirit!
Thanks
Thanks Sam, Iyo I am only seeing the comment now that Jolly told me to check it out!