Many of us were brought up to use money as the determining factor to make a career or business decision. “If it pays more than it must be right” but this is not always the case. In fact more often than not it is likely the wrong opportunity to pursue.
On a session with one of my clients a few weeks ago, she told me about two different opportunities that came her way with lots of money but she said no to both.
Why?
Because they are not in line with her God given vision. Taking on both or either projects will take away from the time she wants to spend with her husband/children and away from the big dreams God has given her.
That got me thinking…what gave her the confidence to say “no” with peace of mind. The fact that she knows that she will never lack as a child of God.
I mean, think about it, one of the main reason why we pursue more money is because we are afraid we will lack or that we won’t have enough or we won’t measure up or look successful in the eyes of the world.
I am so proud of the transformation my lovely client is experiencing and actually living out because when we started working together she had lots of fears and wanted to stay in a job that was stressful and was not serving her.
However right now despite her fears she has left the job and is moving in the right direction. Since leaving her stressful job, she now has a better relationship with her husband and does lots of creative activities with her children. She is also doing lots of freelance work at her own pace and on her own schedule. She is planning to write a book and starting her own business. Isn’t this amazing?
I pray more people especially us women come to this realisation- that success does not come from the abundance of material things but knowing you are walking in the path God has mapped out for you… And when you do, your father who owns all things will ALWAYS provide for your needs.
[Tweet “Success does not come from the abundance of material things”]
Please note that I am not saying you should not aspire to have anything or that you should quit your job or business.
What I am saying is that if the job or business you are doing is
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- causing you stress,
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- not giving you peace of mind,
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- is taking you away from your loved ones,
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- just because it pays the bills
- causing you to be restless in your spirit
Then take a step back to find out what God’s vision is for you, because when God gives a vision he always provides.
So my question to you today is what opportunities have you said “yes” to because of money that is taking you away from your God given dreams? What opportunities do you need to say “no” to that are not in line with the vision God gave you?
Lately I have been reading about God sized dreams. So this post is timely to me. In the past I said yes to both coaching and social media manager training. Both were for the money but was what God wants me to do.
Hmm…interesting Mary… I have come to realise when we follow God’s leading the money WILL follow.
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for this post Aloted. I like where you said, “God that gives you the vision will provide” We tend to limit God especially if what we are trusting Him for has not yet materialised, worried now stepped in and forces us to say YES to any opportunities that comes at that point in time. I believe praying for God to give us an abundance of patience is the key, so we know when to say YES or No and trust him for His perfect timing in our lives. I have my own business and God has been proving himself faithful ever since.
You are so right.. we need patience when following the dreams God gives.. we need to stop focusing on what is seen and focus more on what is unseen.
Thanks for stopping by!
It is too bad money talks so loudly in so many cases.
I agree! But as Christians we need to do things differently.
Very true – it can be hard to make the tough decision to say No especially when it is not immediately obvious it is a wrong opportunity. Thanks for sharing !
True that! I like what Joyce Meyer said once..when you are not sure what God is saying start something…if it is the wrong opportunity you will know as you proceed..sometimes we need to take some wrong steps to get to the right steps..not sure if that is biblical but i believe by taking a few wrong steps we begin to notice a trend and spot bad opportunities more easily especially when we engage God and ultimately God will work it out for our good so overall we should not fear.
Thanks for stopping by Funmi
Hi Alote
Thank you for this post.
I took a job in 2012 because it was a dream role and I thought yea this is it.
But I was mistaken. I never had a single peace of mind on the job. My husband encouraged me to leave because I was not enjoying the job and the location was far as well.
I was scared of leaving as I enjoyed having my own money and also not supporting hubby was not something I was looking forward to doing.
I summoned up the courage to resign and God provided more than ever before. I never lacked. I was pregnant with my 2nd child when I left and we didn’t spend our money on anything. Gifts kept pouring in ever before I put to bed.
Everything is not money. Sometimes we want something badly but it may not be good for us. So it is important to ask God first before engaging in a business, taking on a job etc.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding , in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.
Thanks for the post once again.
wow! Thanks for sharing your experience Feyikemi… when we come from a place of faith and abundance God always come through for us..but when we hold on to bad jobs or bad clients we short change ourselves. And i like what you said Ask God first before launching out. Important!
Thanks for this Detola. This really resonates with me, its like you wrote it with me in mind!! I find myself in a career I dont necessarily enjoy, however because it pays the bills so I feel kind of stuck. I am at a point where I am beginning to trust God more with my decisions, knowing he is the ultimate and knows the beginning and end. Its a gradual process but I feel I am getting there….
Many thanks.
I know what you mean… and you are right Fola it is a journey and I believe as you keep trusting, God will show you the next step to take and the boldness to launch out when the right opportunity is presented.
Lovely post… Thanks for this
I am praying to God to grant me the grace to live purposefully…. where money is one of the resources needed to fulfil the vision? He alone will provide…
God help us all
Yes money is a tool…and God is bigger than money so if he gives the vision…he will certainly provide.