Knowing Our Limits by Os Hillman
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By Os Hillman
Knowing Our
Limits
by Os Hillman
"He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who
chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty." Proverbs
28:19
Webster's
defines entrepreneur: "one who organizes, operates, and assumes the risk
in a business venture." [Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth
ed. (Springfield, Massachusetts, 1993), "entrepreneur."]
Entrepreneurs can smell an opportunity a mile away. However, what is often
their greatest asset can become their greatest downfall. The road is littered
with entrepreneurs who have been successful in one venture only to fail in
countless others. Is this the natural way for an entrepreneur, or is there a
better way?
King
David was an entrepreneur. He grew up as a shepherd boy and later became
Israel's greatest warrior. He responded to opportunities, like the time when no
one would fight Goliath. He saw this as an opportunity. He ultimately became
king of Israel and faced many opportunities placed before him. David learned an
important lesson somewhere along the way that each of us as workplace believers
should learn. As an entrepreneur the greatest danger is engaging ourselves in
activities in which God never intended us to be involved. This is poor
stewardship of what God has entrusted to us. When the Philistines attacked David,
he always inquired of God as to if and when he was to counterattack. When he
was attacked a second time on one occasion, David inquired of God as to whether
he was to attack yet. This time God said yes, but with a condition, "Wait
until you hear the sound of marching in the balsam trees" (see 2 Sam.
5:24). This story tells us that David had learned an important lesson about
staying vertical in his relationship with God at all times. David had learned
the important principle of staying focused on what God wanted for him, not what
seemed logical. He was an opportunist, but only through the filter of the Holy
Spirit in his life.
How
do you approach opportunities? Do you consider the merits of the opportunity
only? Or do you inquire of God as to whether He desires you to pursue? It may
be a wonderful opportunity, but it may not be God's will for you to be
involved. Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you as you seek to use the skills He
has given you.
Os Hillman
By permission only. To learn more about Os Hillman, go to:
www.marketplaceleaders.org.
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"And the Lord said to Joshua, 'This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.'"(Josh 3:7-8). Joshua had been a faithful number two man under Moses for 40 years. Can you imagine serving one man for 40 years? Now that is faithfulness! Even so, when the time came to pass the mantel to Joshua, God knew he needed to be elevated in the eyes of the people in order for Joshua to accomplish his purpose. That is the purpose for elevation - so that you and I can fulfill our purpose and our mission.
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"Then Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons. Now they took wives of the women of Moab: the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth. And they dwelt there about ten years. Then both Mahlon and Chilion also died; so the woman survived her two sons and her husband." Ruth 1:3-5 Naomi's life was going well. A great husband. Two fine sons who had two wonderful wives. Then the unthinkable happened. Her husband died. A little time later both her sons die. Her and her daughter-in-laws find themselves in the midst of shattered dreams. This isn't how life was supposed to be.
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"While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, 'Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.'" Acts 10:19-20 Peter had never preached to the Gentiles. In fact, he believed it was against Jewish law to associate with the Gentiles. God needed to change Peter's attitude about this, so God gave Peter a vision that showed him it was permissible to preach to the Gentiles. The Spirit came to Peter and informed him that some men were about to come visit him, and he was to go with them. He went with them, and the Lord did great miracles in the lives of Gentiles through Peter.