Faith of an Entrepreneur

We've been talking alot about faith lately. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

I was reading the latest issue of  The Marketplace (a publication from MEDA - Mennonite Economic Development Associates)   In an article entitled The Artist as Entrepreneur it said this:

"The entrepreneur, driven by inner vision, sees reality in unique and unpredictable outcomes. G.B. Shaw’s character states it well: “Some people see things as they are and tell me why; I see things as they might be, and say why not!” The entrepreneur artist, often with opportunity as the only resource, is driven by a passion to fulfill innate gifts, to live life creatively, and to transform material into a meaningful product." (emphasis mine)

Entrepreneurs must have "faith"  - the ability to see something as it could be - if they are going to be successful in their venture(s). God created the heavens and the earth "ex nihilo" - out of nothing. Many times entrepreneurs do the same thing. Combining unwavering faith with a steadfast vision brings new life to any organization. Proverbs 29:18 says, "Where there is no vision, the people perish". To perish is to die; no longer exist.

As followers of Jesus, hopefully we are beginning to see our work, our jobs, our occupations as making an impact for the Kingdom of God. Colossians 4:5 (MSG) tells us to "Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don't miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity."

Making the most of an opportunity requires faith, requires vision - Go ahead: step out, see it, believe it, create it.

Got Faith? Prove It

Humans are people of faith. We all put our faith in something. As Christians, the object of our faith is Jesus Christ – We believe in who he is and what he has done. But it’s not enough to just believe. James 2:19 says, "You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe--and shudder." So there's much more to it than just believing. Our actions must confirm what we believe. Real faith affects what we do.

From Hebrews 11, here are 4 ways to prove you have faith: (from Ed Skidmore - pastor)

1. Hebrews 11:4 "It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did." The first way to prove our faith is through Worship. Abel worshipped in obedience and with a sincere heart. He brought his sacrifice out of gratitude. To worship is an act of faith. Is our worship acceptable to God? How’s your heart when you come to worship? Genuine Faith leads us to worship. Romans 12:1 says to offer our whole being to God as a living sacrifice.

2. Hebrews 11:5 "It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying—"suddenly he disappeared because God took him." In Genesis 5:24. It say that Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him. So we prove our faith by our Walk with God. What does it look like to walk with God? See Matthew 25:34-40 This is what it looks like to prove your faith by walking with God.

3. Hebrews 11:7 “It was by faith that Noah built an ark to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about something that had never happened before”. We prove our faith through our Work. Maybe you never thought about it, but building an Ark is no small task. Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. We are all called to be followers of Christ. That is our vocation, but how we choose to live that out is our occupation. Do your business practices honor God? Do they represent your faith, what you say you believe about who Jesus is? Does your work make an impact for the Kingdom?

4. Hebrews 11:11 "By faith Abraham, even though he was past age--and Sarah herself was barren--was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise". Perhaps the biggest challenge Abraham faced was that his faith required him to Wait. Faith sometimes requires us to wait: for an answer to prayer; for a job offer; for the results of a medical test; -- sometimes the greatest proof of your faith is that you simply wait, because you know God will come through in the end.

Seven Essentials of Faith

Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen".

Why is faith so essential to a follower of Jesus? 

1. Faith is essential to overcome worry. 

 Matthew 6:30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

2. Faith is essential for healing. 

Matthew 9:22 Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment.

3. Faith is essential to overcome fear.

Matthew 8:26 He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

4. Faith is essential for forgiveness of sin.

Matthew 9:2 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven."

5. Faith is essential for miracles.

Matthew 13:58 And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

6. Faith is essential in the spiritual battle.

Matthew 17:19-20 Father brings his demon-possesed son to Jesus - Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" 20 He replied, "Because you have so little faith. 

7. Faith is essential for salvation.

Luke 7:50  Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

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