Comments on: Can You Relate?

By: Joe Brachle

Joe Brachle — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 13:13:51 +0000

I had a very wise man tell me once that GOD does not want our business to fail. HE only wants the very best for us. And I believe that more than ever. I am positive GOD would not crush businesses to prove some lesson to us. There is too much at risk to harm others if we fail in business. I do not think he would make others pay for us not trying hard enough or being smart enough or praying enough or reading enough, etc.. However, I have had HIM teach me things through small losses that I now know how to let HIM be in charge of. When we put him first, and don’t let the enemy tell you you have not put him first enough either, HE is in this for and with you. Oh, don’t misunderstand me, I had a business fail. But, it was because I did not know HIM. And I wasn’t serving HIM. And we were harming everyone we came in contact with. How could GOD bless that? Know that HE is not the evil dad that beats us down when we try to succeed. But also know this, I am VERY confident that the enemy has even more reason to kill, steal, and destroy when we proclaim we are a Christian business. I have felt that many times. Even today. I also know HE wants us to depend on him for all parts of our business. I used to think that meant being a mamby - pamby Christian who could not make a decision without hours of seeking the LORD, praying, and stuffing my face in the word, (and OK, sometimes it takes that too, and it is never wasted time ) but HE gave us the responsibility to be in business. HE knows we can do it. Another wise man let me know it is NOT the field for your tithing. You are not called to lose money because you are a Christian. Make money and don’t let them steal it from you. You are called to do the work as to the LORD. Like all parts of the body, it takes all parts. We are called to be in business. And it is hard. It is a battle. A REAL BIG BATTLE. Know that we are not better, or lesser, it is just who HE wants us to be. And how would HE call us, and then let us fail? My advice? FIGHT the battle. And it ain’t over yet (trust me I could tell you stories about this part). And you CAN do it. That’s why he called you to it. And GOD does not make mistakes. I will be praying for you, Joe

By: Roy

Roy — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Has this dear brother tried fasting and praying? If not, is he willing to do so - and would others join him for, say 7 days? I would.

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Wow. Yes, I’ve been there, and Michael is right: too often business is like this. We’d rather operate on trust, but it may just be true that strong paper-work and a mean (but fair!) attorney are necessary tools of any trade.

But what now? Would there be some brothers that would come around this gentleman and help him back to his feet? I know of one such situation in which some friends bought their friend’s house for what he had in it, then leased it back to him (with a little breathing room on a couple of months payments). Meanwhile, he got his income producing life back together and then was able to pay his way back out. After a couple of years he was able to buy his house back (for what was owed) and retained his former equity.

That doesn’t necessarily address other debt that may be hanging around from the business. Maybe there are some other ideas for that…but often forebearance can be negotiated.

Anyhoo, blessings brother. This too shall pass, I promise…

By: Jason

Jason — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

To some degree I can relate. We started our business after I got laid off and were expecting a baby in 8 weeks. We were blessed have to equity in our house to use to carry us through, I don’t know if that is avaiable.

I can tell you that every time I had concerns about the business, I’d lift those to God and he would do amazing things for us. In my times of doubt, God kept telling me to cast my net and each time I was able to find business.

I maybe that he has to go after the debt owed to him and/or work on a settlement to take a percentage of what is owed.

Keep looking to God and he will give the proper action here.

By: Paula Brickhouse

Paula Brickhouse — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Don’t give in to defeat. You were willing to step out and take a risk. Learn from mistakes and seek the Lord. He will never leave you or forsake you. Sow into other businesses and be a blessing to others. Use your business as a marketplace ministry and not just for financial gain. I am learining that I am blessed to be a blessing to others. Make sure you are seeking the Kingdom of God above everything and all other things will be added. Mt. 6:33 God bless you as you allow God to bring good out of what seems like a failure. He can turn it around!

By: Roy

Roy — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

If this brother wants to contact me at roybaylis@winwin-solutions.co.uk I will gladly try and help him clear his ditches.

By: Homer Owen

Homer Owen — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

In 1980, I found myself facing bankruptcy, owing 10 millions dollars. I repented for assuming that God was directing me and He simply responded that He would take care of my debt.
Almost three monts later and things getting worse by the day, the Lord spoke to me to put my business on the altar like Abraham did Isaac. It was a struggle but I finally did this in the spirit and the same day the Lord sent an Angel to me and told me that the Lord had received my sacrifice and He was well pleased.
The Lord sent a man that I had never met or heard of and He told me that Jesus had sent him to take care of all of my financial needs.
I would encourge you to make sure you have built an altar and placed your busienss upon it. It would be good for you to do a word study on altars.
Blessings, Homer Owen, homerowen@peoplepc.com

By: Norm Hebert

Norm Hebert — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Brother, I feel your pain, I am seasoned! Unfortunately there is only one way to get there. I will pray for peace & wisdom.
I also liked what one brother said about others comming around you and helping. I like it because it is what we are suppose to do. (prefer one another)
If this ministry feels the need is justified and wants to start a fund, I will make a contibution.

By: Chris Zimmerman

Chris Zimmerman — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Dear Brother,

I know your pain. I too started a company awhile back, with my wife’s blessing, and 3 years later had to file bankruptcy. And i would change a thing. I learned too much and I am such a better businessman for it.

And yes, there are those out there that will take advantage of you. As painful as that is, don’t get discouraged. Instead, get encouraged. This simply means you are one step closer to success.

If this is your dream, then don’t you let a few bad experiences stop you. Too often people quit right before they succeed. The world is full of quitters, don’t be one too. And yes, I know how hard it is going to be for you. But that is why not everyone can start their own business. They quit when it gets hard.

Everyone must enter into a desert to get seasoned for God’s work. You are in a desert right now. You should be thankful for this time because you will come out stronger. When a steal blade is made, it must be put into the fire…..a very hot fire, to get rid of the impurities. It is taken out and molded, then put back in. This process is repeated….in the fire, out of the fire, in the fire, out of the fire. The more times it goes in, the stronger it gets. You my friend are in the fire getting stronger. THAT IS A GOOD THING!!! It means God has a bigger purpose for you.

Its time to ‘cowboy up’ my friend, time to get tough. Grit them teeth and say, “I will not give up today.” I promise you won’t regret it.

I know this will sound funny, but I am happy for you. I am happy because I know what you are going through and I also know where you are about to end up. It is a great place, so don’t give up. Get determined!!! God will not give you more than you can handle. He loves you. Give him thanks today for you desert, it is a time to get closer to the Lord. Can’t think of anything better.

God Bless.
Chris

By: Jay Harmon

Jay Harmon — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Homer shared some great advice regarding putting the business and all future business/income producing ventures on the altar declaring from the ground up that the business is a stewardship responsibility of yours but the owner is God. I have been “seasoned” as Michael described it and have learned that many people who are “children of the kingdom” are never trained in the running of a business. Rather they approach the business with the same w2, or employee, mentality they had when they worked as an employee. The nature of running a business is quite different than being an employee and a shift from employee to proprietor thinking is generally required to make the transition succesful. There are a couple of great books on the subject including Dennis Peacocks “Doing Business Gods Way” and another by Ray Landers titled “Wealth or Mammon”. Both are great additions to anyones Christian Business Library. On a practical note, if it is not too late, and it is never too late as Delay is not Denial and Darkness is not Defeat, then it could be advantagious for a tactical plan to be developed whereby this gentlemen approaches those who he has worked for who have not paid him and share with him candidly their need to pay him. Lawyers are valuable especially when someone owes you and flagrantly puts it in your face. We are commended to settle our disputes before getting to the judge but that requires a willingness by both parties to avoid a suit. Protecting ones work product and contractual relationship is at times like a “cold war”. Meaning, as long as the threat keeps you at bay, then the threat will remain. If you call the bluff and make use of an attorney, you may find he helps you develop a better contract while also getting some of your fees back. Another good book is E-Myth. Michael Gerber is the author and has some “colorful” language. Despite that, he is right on the money in terms of his approach and anyone shifting from an employee status to a self employed status should avail themselves to this resource. I apologize for the long post but there is much to this situation and many like this man out there. Anything we can do to help them before they get into this kind of ditch is worthy of a little time. Please respond if you have any additional questions that I can help with. Good luck and I will be praying for you. Do some scripture reading on altars and allies and see what God will show you as He will always show Himself strong and His children will not be begging for bread. Blessings to you, Jay.