By Kelley Tyan
Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with highs and lows, triumphs and trials. For many, the road to success is filled with obstacles that challenge our resolve and test our endurance. I remember a time years ago when I was running my fitness business and feeling run-ragged. Suddenly, I had a wake-up call: I was NOT integrating my faith into my business life. I kept them separate and wondered why I was struggling so much. This realization sparked me to start using my faith as a driving force in my business. The deeper I went into faith, the more belief I developed in myself and my calling. I've learned that during the trying times of business when giving up seems like the easiest option, faith can become the separator between defeat and victory. In this article, I'm sharing 4 ways faith can be the driving force of your success.
FAITH THROUGH TOUGH TIMES
Starting and growing a business is definitely not for the faint of heart. It requires dedication, hard work, and often the ability to push through periods of doubt and difficulty. This is where faith serves as a cornerstone, providing a sense of purpose and direction, and reminding us that we are part of a greater plan. It gives us hope, knowing that God is in control, even when we are not. When the journey becomes difficult, or you are not seeing the results you want in the timing you expect, faith can give you the courage to keep going, knowing that God is with you every step of the way.
In moments of adversity, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and consider abandoning our dreams. However, faith encourages us to persevere; the Bible gives us many empowering stories to refer to. Life is not meant to be easy – otherwise, everyone would be at the top. It is meant to challenge us, to make us stronger with every failure and more courageous with every setback. This is how we build our strength and set ourselves apart from the average and mundane. There is victory ahead, and developing a strong faith can and will keep you going.
STAYING MOTIVATED WITH FAITH
One of the most powerful aspects of faith is its ability to keep us motivated. Jesus teaches us the importance of persistence in our work. In Luke 18:1-8, He shares the parable of the persistent widow, illustrating that continual effort and unwavering faith can lead to justice and success. This lesson is profoundly relevant to entrepreneurship. Staying motivated in the face of setbacks is crucial, and faith can be the fuel that keeps our passion burning. When we anchor our entrepreneurial journey in faith, we are reminded that our work has a higher purpose. It's not just about profit or personal gain; it's about making a positive impact and fulfilling the calling that God has placed on our hearts.
This sense of purpose can reignite our motivation during times of doubt. By focusing on the greater good and the positive change we aim to bring about, we can find renewed energy to continue our efforts, even when the path is filled with difficulties. I always say, "When God gives the vision, He will also give provision." This keeps me going and pulls my thoughts back to why I started my business in the first place.
ENDURING HARD TIMES BUILDS STRENGTH
The Bible teaches that enduring hard times builds strength. Romans 5:3-5 tells us that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. This process of growth and development is integral to both our spiritual and entrepreneurial journeys. Every challenge we face and overcome as entrepreneurs strengthens our character, enhances our resilience, and prepares us for future success.
Faith helps us see our trials not as insurmountable barriers but as opportunities for growth. It encourages us to embrace difficulties, knowing that they are shaping us into stronger, more capable leaders. This perspective shift is crucial for entrepreneurs. When we view setbacks as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks, we can navigate them with grace and emerge stronger on the other side. My go-to verse, which has been my anchor throughout my entire journey, is Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." When this verse repeats in my mind, I feel I can accomplish anything with His supernatural strength, which is always available to us.
WALKING BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT
Faith, by its very nature, involves belief in the unseen. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. This principle is directly applicable to entrepreneurship, where the outcomes of our efforts are often uncertain. We cannot see the future, and the path to success is rarely clear. However, faith empowers us to keep going, to trust in the process, and to focus on our daily work rather than the distant results.
Entrepreneurs often operate in a landscape of uncertainty. Market conditions fluctuate, consumer preferences change, and unforeseen challenges arise. In such an environment, it's easy to become fixated on all the unknowns. However, faith teaches us to let go of this fear and anxiety. Instead of worrying about what we cannot see or control, we can focus on the work we are doing today. This daily commitment to excellence, grounded in faith, lays a solid foundation for future success. We cannot control the uncontrollable; we can only control the work we put in and the mindset we adopt.
CONCLUSION
Faith-driven entrepreneurship is a powerful paradigm. It provides the strength to endure tough times, the motivation to persist in our efforts, and the resilience to grow through challenges. Walking by faith and not by sight teaches us that we can navigate the uncertainties of business with confidence, courage, and purpose. Faith reminds us that we are part of God's greater plan and that our work, though challenging, has a higher purpose.
In the end, it is this unwavering faith that truly drives success. It keeps us grounded, focused, and inspired, enabling us to build businesses that not only thrive but also make a meaningful impact. So, as you embark on your entrepreneurial journey, let faith be your guide, your strength, and your key to unlocking enduring success.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelley Tyan
Kelley Tyan is a keynote speaker, 2X author of her books Addicted To The Climb and The ONE Prayer, host of her podcast Addicted To The Climb, and sought-after Christian transformation coach for women in faith, health, mindset, and personal development. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Kelley has inspired, transformed, and empowered countless women to live with big bold faith, overcome challenges, and become the courageous leaders of their lives at home and in the workplace.
She is a breast cancer survivor and a 4X National Bikini Champion. She has been featured on ABC and IHeart Media and published in Oxygen, Link2Us, Aspiring Magazine, and Thrive Today, among many others.
Kelley is passionate about equipping ambitious women with Biblical principles, prayer, and the right tools to live courageously in life, and business, with big, bold faith.
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