As Christian entrepreneurs, we often find ourselves at a crossroads. On one side, we have the world's wisdom on business success - strategies, systems, and self-reliance. On the other, we have the call to submit our plans to God and let Him lead. Which path should we choose?

Lance Vantine, host of the IBaM Biblical Entrepreneurship show, offers a compelling argument for letting God take the reins of your business. Let's explore why this approach isn't just spiritually fulfilling, but also the key to lasting success.

The Pitfall of Self-Reliance in Business

Picture this: You're at the helm of your startup, burning the midnight oil, poring over business books, and meticulously crafting your strategy. You've assembled a crack team, secured funding, and you're ready to take the market by storm. But something's missing. Despite your best efforts, success seems just out of reach. Sound familiar?

As Lance Vantine points out, "Many times when we are starting a business, we tend to go off of what we know or what we think we know. We believe that we have read the proper books to be able to pursue and go forth. Some of us are very self-willed and we believe that we can just do it on our own or we need to structure the right team."

This self-reliant approach is deeply ingrained in our entrepreneurial culture. We're told to hustle, to push through obstacles, to be the masters of our own destiny. But what if this very mindset is holding us back from our true potential?

The Limitations of Human Wisdom

The problem with relying solely on our own wisdom and strength is twofold:

1. Limited perspective: As humans, our view is inherently limited. We can't see the future, we can't read hearts, and we can't fully grasp the complex interplay of factors that influence business success.

2. Misplaced trust: When we put all our faith in our own abilities or the wisdom of other successful entrepreneurs, we're building on a shaky foundation.

Lance illustrates this beautifully: "We may look to certain people that may be very successful businessmen, men and women. They may be worth seven, eight, nine, ten figures, whatever it might be, and we might really appreciate what they have to say. But when God gives us wisdom, God gives us wisdom that directly pertains to the specific events within our business, within our life, within our career."

Think about it - how many times have you followed a strategy that worked wonders for someone else, only to find it falling flat in your own business? That's because God's wisdom is tailored, specific, and infinitely more insightful than any human advice could ever be.

The Consequences of Going It Alone

What happens when we try to build our businesses without God's guidance? Lance paints a sobering picture:

"When we try to do things on our own and leading our business by our own mechanisms, our own systems, our own means, our own resources, our own connections, we many times will not become as successful as we otherwise could have. Or we will prolong certain things, or we will unfortunately reach many disastrous events if, and this all could have been prevented if we just went to God first."

Imagine spending years building a business, only to realize you've been heading in the wrong direction all along. Or investing thousands of dollars in a marketing strategy that was doomed from the start. These are the very real risks we face when we rely on our own limited wisdom.

But it goes beyond just business failures. When we try to do it all on our own, we miss out on the deep peace and fulfillment that comes from partnering with God in our entrepreneurial journey. We trade the joy of co-creating with the divine for the stress and anxiety of shouldering every burden ourselves.

Embracing God's Leadership in Business

So, what's the alternative? Lance proposes a radical shift in our approach to business: letting God lead.

"When we allow God to lead in our business, we recognize he is the ultimate creator. He is the only uncreated creator. He has always been and always will be. And we know that he can give wisdom as he so chooses because he himself is wisdom and he is the giver of wisdom."

This isn't about passively waiting for God to do everything for us. It's about actively seeking His guidance, wisdom, and direction in every aspect of our business. It's about recognizing that He is the true CEO, and we are stewards of the vision and resources He's entrusted to us.

Here's what letting God lead your business looks like in practice:

1. Seeking His wisdom first: Before making any major decision, take it to God in prayer. Ask for His guidance and be open to His direction, even if it differs from your initial plans.

2. Aligning your vision with His: Regularly check in to ensure your business goals align with God's purposes. Are you building something that honors Him and serves others?

3. Developing spiritual discernment: As Lance emphasizes, "We need God's wisdom and we need discernment to help guide us along the way." Cultivate your ability to hear God's voice and discern His will for your business.

4. Trusting His timing: Remember, "one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as a single day for God." Be patient and trust that God's timeline is perfect, even when things seem to be moving slowly.

5. Embracing humility: Recognize that your success comes from God, not your own brilliance or hard work. This keeps you grounded and open to continuous guidance.

Practical Steps to Let God Lead Your Business

Ready to shift from self-reliance to God-reliance in your business? Here's a practical plan to get started:

1. Start each day with prayer and Scripture: Before diving into your to-do list, spend time in God's presence. This sets the tone for your day and opens your heart to His guidance.

2. Implement regular "God check-ins": Schedule time each week to step back from the daily grind and seek God's perspective on your business. This could be through prayer, journaling, or silent reflection.

3. Form a prayer team: Gather a group of trusted believers who can pray for your business regularly. Their spiritual support can be invaluable.

4. Study biblical principles of business: Dive into what the Bible says about work, money, leadership, and integrity. Let these truths shape your business practices.

5. Practice "Spirit-led" decision making: When faced with choices, consciously invite the Holy Spirit to guide you. Pay attention to that still, small voice.

6. Cultivate a culture of dependence on God: If you have a team, encourage them to seek God's wisdom in their work as well. This creates a powerful, aligned force for good.

7. Be open to course corrections: If God reveals that you're heading in the wrong direction, be willing to pivot. Trust that His plan is better than yours.

Remember, as Lance says, "When we allow God to lead in our business, we ourselves are going to be led down the path that he has paved. We're not going to be going astray and getting distracted with other things."

The Promise of God-Led Entrepreneurship

When we truly let God lead our businesses, amazing things happen. We gain access to divine wisdom that far surpasses human understanding. We develop supernatural discernment that helps us navigate complex situations. We experience peace amidst challenges, knowing that God is in control.

Moreover, our businesses become powerful tools for Kingdom impact. As Lance reminds us, "When we put God first and we allow God to lead in our business, we recognize he is the ultimate creator... When we allow God to be the chairman over our business, we ourselves will exemplify, look to and radiate him."

Imagine building a business that not only thrives financially but also transforms lives, spreads the Gospel, and brings glory to God. That's the promise of God-led entrepreneurship.

Your Invitation to Divine Partnership

As we wrap up, I want to leave you with this powerful thought from Lance: "May we constantly strive to let God lead in our business. May we be willing to step down from the pedestal that we have maybe even placed ourselves upon. And may we truly understand that God is behind all things."

Today, you have a choice. Will you continue to struggle alone, relying on your limited wisdom and strength? Or will you invite the Creator of the universe to lead your business?

The path of letting God lead isn't always easy. It requires humility, trust, and sometimes radical obedience. But the rewards - both in this life and the next - are beyond anything we could achieve on our own.

So, entrepreneur, are you ready to let God take the helm of your business? The adventure of a lifetime awaits. Trust in His wisdom, follow His lead, and watch as He transforms your business into a powerful force for good in the world.

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