By Nelson Semanu BOANDOH-KORKOR & Elizabeth BOANDOH-KORKOR
“All the things we do, all our behaviour, should let others know that we are living by, and operating in, biblical principles. Principle and character are the highest quality traits on our list…Focus on people more than money. Without employees and customers, you’re going nowhere. Make sure you never stop thinking about the customer’s perspective.” – David Green, Founder, Hobby Lobby
- The neglect of prayer in kingdom entrepreneurship
In the vibrant arena of business, the power of prayer often remains an under-appreciated force, a hidden current that flows beneath the surface of profit and loss statements. For kingdom entrepreneurs, the marketplace becomes a sacred space where prayer intertwines with strategy, resilience and vision. Let us explore the profound connection between prayer and business success, unveiling the spiritual dimension that underpins every transaction, decision and endeavour.
Within the bustling corridors of commerce, prayer weaves a tapestry that transcends the material world. It is the divine catalyst that transforms ordinary actions into extraordinary achievements. Prayer ignites creativity, fuelling innovative solutions that conquer challenges and unlock opportunities. Amid uncertainty, it bestows clarity and wisdom, guiding decisions with divine counsel.
Beneath the surface of the business landscape lies an unseen battlefield, as Ephesians 6:12 reveals. Spiritual adversaries seek to undermine the success and integrity of businesses, but the entrepreneur’s arsenal is not limited to earthly weapons. Prayer serves as a shield, deflecting the arrows of doubt, fear and deceit. It fortifies businesses against spiritual attacks, much like a fortified city withstands enemy assaults.
In the intricate dance of organisational decision-making, prayer emerges as a guiding compass. Whether it’s hiring key personnel, launching marketing campaigns or restructuring operations, prayer reveals the divine blueprint. It fosters an environment where obedience to Christ becomes the cornerstone of every choice.
Christian entrepreneurs are called to a higher purpose—a mandate that extends beyond financial gain. They are stewards of resources, entrusted with the responsibility to advance God’s kingdom on Earth. Prayer aligns their pursuits with His will, infusing their endeavours with eternal significance.
The success stories of secular entrepreneurs may offer valuable insights, but they cannot serve as a complete blueprint for kingdom entrepreneurs. While worldly achievements may appear self-sufficient, kingdom entrepreneurship acknowledges a higher authority. Prayer becomes the lifeline that connects businesses to the divine source, infusing every task with purpose and meaning. Prayer is not merely a ritual; it is a sacred covenant. Just as Malachi 3:10-12 speaks of tithing as an act of honour, prayer is an act of dependence and surrender. In your kingdom assignment, prayer affirms your reliance on God, acknowledging His sovereignty over every aspect of your business journey.
In the grand symphony of business and spirituality, prayer harmonises the two realms. It bridges the gap between the earthly and the divine, merging supernatural intervention with practical strategy. Your business becomes a consecrated space where prayers ascend, sanctifying every transaction, negotiation and decision.
In the tapestry of kingdom entrepreneurship, prayer is the warp and weft, the interwoven threads that create a masterpiece of purpose and prosperity. As you step into the marketplace, remember that prayer is not an after-thought—it is the symphony that orchestrates your every move. In a world that often celebrates self-reliance, your commitment to prayer sets you apart as an ambassador of a higher economy, one where divine partnership propels you to unimaginable heights, and where every business endeavour is blessed by the whispers of heaven.
- Fulfilling God’s purpose through business and failure
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11 ESV
In the grand tapestry of life, God’s purpose is the thread that weaves meaning, significance, and hope into every aspect of our existence. As we navigate the complex landscape of entrepreneurship, we must recognise that God’s purpose extends beyond mere business success. Let us explore the intricate dance between divine purpose, entrepreneurial endeavours and the transformative role of failure in shaping our destinies.
Rick Warren’s profound words ring true: “Without God, life is a purposeless journey”. Purpose serves as our compass, guiding our steps and infusing our lives with meaning. In the realm of business, purpose becomes the guiding light that illuminates our decisions and aligns our pursuits with divine intent.
God’s ways are often beyond our comprehension. He may allow our business ventures to dissolve not as punishment, but as a redirection toward His higher purpose. This divine intervention can occur, whether our businesses are flourishing or struggling. Our faith journey is a mosaic of successes and failures, all carefully orchestrated by the Divine Weaver who shapes our lives according to His plan.
In God’s redemptive narrative, every experience—triumphs and setbacks alike—contributes to a masterpiece that ultimately serves His purpose. Romans 8:28 assures us that God works all things together for good, weaving the threads of our lives into a symphony that harmonises with His will. Even in the face of failure, God’s purpose remains unwavering, guiding us toward the fulfilment of His divine design.
Consider Nelson’s story, a testament to the transformative power of failure when aligned with God’s purpose. The dissolution of his entrepreneurial venture led him to rediscover his true calling as a writer. His experience demonstrates that failure can be a catalyst for embracing our God-given assignments. What appeared to be a setback was, in reality, a stepping stone toward a more meaningful and fulfilling path.
As stewards of our time on earth, we are called to discern ventures that align with God’s purpose. Pursuing endeavours that deviate from His plan can lead to disillusionment and frustration. Let us not be swayed by pursuits that distract us from our true calling. Instead, let us invest our time, energy and passions into endeavours that glorify God and bring His purpose to fruition.
Sometimes, the loss of earthly pursuits can become an opportunity to magnify God’s name. Our willingness to surrender what we hold dear—whether it’s a business, a dream or an ambition—can serve as a powerful testimony of faith. Through our losses, God’s name is exalted; and His redemptive grace shines even brighter against the backdrop of our struggles.
In the grand tapestry of life, the ups and downs of our entrepreneurial journeys are but brushstrokes on a canvas, masterfully guided by the Divine Artist. Let us embrace the interplay of purpose and failure, recognising that even in setbacks, God’s purpose remains steadfast. As we navigate the complexities of the business world, let our pursuit of purpose be our guiding star; and let our surrender to God’s plan illuminate our path, creating a masterpiece that reflects His unfailing love and sovereignty.
For further study on this chapter, kindly get a copy of our books: Why Some Kingdom Entrepreneurs Fail in Business, The Ten Commandments of Business Success, The 15 Remarkable Attributes of Successful Entrepreneurs.
Nelson Semanu Boandoh-Korkor is a distinguished figure acclaimed as an Author, Publishing Consultant, Christian Business Coach and a fervent Financial Evangelist. Nelson is a forex trader, cryptocurrency investor and metaverse enthusiast.
Elizabeth Boandoh-Korkor (CA) is an accomplished Chartered Accountant with extensive experience as a Financial Management Consultant, spanning close to two decades in both the not-for-profit and banking sectors. You can reach out to them on +233549762233 or [email protected]