As we pray for ways to help equip our “Wild Friends” I wanted to share these 7 Bible Passages to Keep you Encouraged at Work. At Ministry in Business, we talk to committed people who feel the call of God to make a difference in their work and business. We get questions about making money, starting a faith filled business and general support. While we work to bring you more resources, start thinking about various ways to balance a profitable career and your heartfelt desire to honor God. There is no greater satisfaction than living a life in the bullseye of God’s will. Every effort that you exert to honor God at work is worth more than you can imagine. Time will tell your story and your work will be rewarded!
The Ministry in Business life requires focus. It means staying true to your faith and freely owning your spiritual gifts and beliefs. You put God’s plan first, even though you have desires of your own. Remember the Bible verse – Matthew 6:33;
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
When you put God first in your heart, your desires align with His desires, leading you to experience the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5)! That takes you on a whole new journey, changing everything – and yes, the desires of your heart become a reality.
One way to keep God’s plan first and avoid costly detours is to clearly understand the Scriptures and how to apply God’s Word in your life.
In the MIB Women’s Bible Study, we look at three areas:
- What is the passage saying?
- What does the passage mean in the Bible context that is unfolding?
- How do you apply the message to your daily living?
The Bible is our inexhaustible guide to a life-style of faith. Nothing is beyond the radar of God’s word, including your work, career and business. He does not always give you what you want, when you want it. But He gives you a feast that in time, becomes more than you ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).
I selected these 7 Bible Passages to Keep you Encouraged at Work to help you recall basic truths that have an enormous impact. As you apply biblical strategies to everyday work, use the passages to make decisions, deal with people and honor God in your work. Open your heart and let God fill your void spaces so you enjoy your career, even when it has challenges. This is how you find fulfillment. This is how you love what you do.
Philippians 1:5
“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Application: God always finishes what He starts. If He started something in you, He is not done, even if you can’t see what He is doing. God’s work continues until your last breath.
Colossians 3:23
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”
Application: Sometimes, business feels separate from God. Anyone can come to work on time and do their job. But it takes God’s help to possess an innate attraction that draws people through you and to Him, allowing you to influence people in a positive, unselfish way. As a follower of Christ, you work for Him and He promotes you. People think they are in charge, but when you are on the scene with your God fearing work, they better watch out! God is the CEO who will alter situations as He pleases. Work for Him and allow His timing to work things out.
If you like the job, do it well. If you don’t like the job, still do it well. In both cases, God is moving you forward, and He needs your absolute best at the forefront.
Joshua 1:8-9
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Application: This verse details God’s message to Joshua as he prepared to lead the Israelites on the conquest of Canaan. After 40 years in the wilderness, led by Moses, a new generation and their new leader (Joshua) stood ready to fight and possess their land.
God led the Israelites into a battle that required faith in every step. They trusted God and followed the instruction in Joshua 1:8, giving them a clear path to staying focused and securing their victory.
Their strategy for success still applies to you! In the same way, as you embark on your Marketplace Ministry journey,
- Trust God’s Word
- Keep it on your mind day and night
- Do what it says
- Be strong and courageous
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Application: God wants you to stir up your spiritual gifts (2 Timothy:1:6) boldly and confidently. If you have fear, it is not from God! Use the scriptures to help you move past your fear and live in your power, love and sound mind.
James 1: 2-5
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
Application: Trials are not always bad. Trials help you develop patience. Patience honors God and helps you focus on what is important instead of getting caught up in detours. When you need answers, pray about it and expect an answer – yes, no or wait.
Psalm 91 (click to read)
Application: When you feel fear or pressure and wonder if God is still with you, read Psalm 91. It reminds us that God is our protector and the one who fights and wins our battles. With Him, you are never alone.
Ephesians 1: 18-19
“I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe.”
Application: This is a prayer to speak over yourself and others. Successfully moving forward requires clarity. This prayer asks God to give you what you need.
While these Bible passages keep you encouraged, this barely scrapes the surface of what God has available for you. It is through the Scriptures and an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ that you gain a fresh vision. He gives you the roadmap to accomplish your God-given goals. In Marketplace Ministry, knowing the Word is your foundation for effective strategies. Start here, but don’t stop here. Find a Bible-based Bible study with a loving group that you trust. Consider joining the MIB Bible study (for women) and develop a habit of being a self-feeder – studying the Scriptures for yourself. Also, participate in our Coaching Cohort and get the tools you need for a focused, faster paced Marketplace Ministry experience.
Take a look the Bible Hub app for study resources. Also, look for my new book coming in the fall 2023 called The Bible Scroll – Discovering the Bible for Yourself. Becoming a biblically sound Marketplace Minister requires intentionality. God expects nothing less than your whole heart. Studying His Word and doing what it says is the catalyst that sets you up for an amazing adventure that goes beyond anything you have imagined.
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