Affirmation: “I have no reason to fear! My business is ordained to thrive, and I am ordained to succeed.”
Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7
Song: No Reason to Fear by JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise
I have to be honest. I have been struggling with fear. Yep, even as I write these devotionals and log in to social media to encourage others, I, myself, have been in the throes of a serious struggle.
No one is immune to fear. It doesn’t matter how much faith you have, or how long you’ve been a believer. At some point, you’re going to feel fear. Whether it’s about your health, your loved ones, your job, or your business, at some point in time we all feel fear.
When news of the impending pandemic broke, we all began to prepare for the fallout. We stocked up on food, medications, toiletries and entertainment. What many of us didn’t prepare for was the mental warfare that was on the horizon. I don’t think it became clear to anyone just how quickly things would take shape and begin to impact every facet of our lives – business, education, government, media, ministry, etc. Our world today looks very different than it did a week ago, and I suspect that a week from now, the world will look even more different than it does today.
For many of us, the fear is that our businesses won’t survive – whether it’s from our own illness and inability to work or because our customers are locked in their homes, doing their best to stay healthy themselves. We wonder what we’ll do about our overhead, our staff, our own mortgages, and livelihoods. What will come of us if the worst happens?
Listen, this isn’t an irrational fear. It’s the reality we’re facing and the way a lot of us are feeling right now. The difference for those of us who believe in God is that we have the ability to rely on His word, which states that he is not the giver of the spirit of fear. Yes, he gave us the ability to fear when He created us, but He did not give us the state of mind that causes us to fear continuously.
Our scripture for today reminds us that his gifts are power, love, and self-control. This means that in times like this, his gifts to us are the abilities to influence our circumstances, consider others before we consider ourselves, and take charge over our thoughts and actions.
When it comes to our businesses, we have the same opportunities:
How are you influencing your circumstances? Are you doing all you can do to adapt to delivering services in new ways or to delivering new services altogether?
What are you doing to serve others? How can you use your business to meet a need?
How are you taking charge? Are you waiting for doomsday to come or are you ready and willing to take on whatever this season throws at you?
I’ve said in other devotionals that we were created for this. Nothing about this moment in time is a surprise to the Father. He created us to withstand, and that is what we must do. When fear comes, we must readjust ourselves into positions of influence, service, and self-control. Those are the gifts we have been given.
Today, if you find yourself feeling afraid, listen to "No reason To Fear" by JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise to be reminded that our Father, Jehovah, has the final say in our lives and in our businesses.
Dr. Rhonda Alexander helps leaders and entrepreneurs uncover and discover their best! As an author, professional speaker, and coach, she connects with people who are looking to fulfill their purpose and walk effectively in their life’s calling. Her books, EntrHERpreneur and Your Life’s Calling, can be purchased on TheDrRhonda.com, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iTunes. Her newest e-book, Side Hustle or Sustainable, is now available for direct download. She is also available for group and individual coaching. Contact Dr. Rhonda directly at Rhonda@TheDrRhonda.com.