Daily Devotionals

In the pursuit of groundbreaking business innovations, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, offers a timeless lesson: Be prepared to be misunderstood. If you do the same thing everybody else is doing, you can be sure that you will get the same results as everybody else. The moment you begin to do things differently, your actions are more likely to be misunderstood. Amazon’s long-term approach is rooted in customer-centric thinking, consistently working backward from the customer’s needs. Yet, this willingness to think differently and commit to a long-term vision often results in being misunderstood, a challenge inherent in transformative ventures.

Critics are unavoidable in the world of invention and disruption. Well-meaning critics may genuinely misunderstand the innovative path you take, while others are blinded by their own self-interest. Accepting misunderstanding means you’ve accepted the fact that you will be misunderstood. This isn’t to say you won’t need feedback. According to Ecclesiastes 7:5, “It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools.” You will need to seek wise and godly counsel regarding your work. These are people that are able to scrutinize your work with a superior perspective from which you create.

You ignore the chorus of the masses, staying focused on your vision. Massive success demands the courage to be misunderstood and a strong commitment to your visionary goals. It’s about listening, testing, and unwaveringly building toward your transformative vision. Jeff Bezos reminds us that enduring the misunderstandings that come with pioneering, such as Amazon’s Kindle and AWS, is the path to real innovation and wealth. Working on your long-term goals usually means taking decisions that won’t make sense in the short-term. Peter didn’t understand why Jesus had to die on the cross. Suffer in the short-term, but win in the long-term. This is the cornerstone of groundbreaking business success.

“Consistency over intensity” is a mantra worth writing down. Whether you’re pursuing personal development, fulfilling your soul’s mission, or any other goal, the key is unwavering perseverance. Remember, it’s the tortoise that wins the race, not the hare. In the words of the wise, “O consistency, thou art a jewel.” This gem reminds us that slow and steady progress is the most reliable path to success. When you choose a consistent, long-term approach over quick fixes and intensity, your odds of achieving your goals are significantly higher. Embrace the power of steady, unyielding determination as you journey towards your dreams.

It is fascinating to admit that a tortoise moving slowly in the right direction wins. In an interview with CNBC, Alex Trias, a retired tax attorney, said that his simple consistent plans were the reason he was able to meet his net worth goals and retire at the age of 41. Alex Trias’ story demonstrates the importance of consistency in financial planning. His ability to retire at 41 was not due to large, high-risk investments or waiting for the perfect stock market moment. It was instead founded on his unwavering consistency in saving and investing, regardless of economic uncertainty or market fluctuations.

Like Alex Trias, you need to understand that the real magic is in steady, persistent effort. Trias’ story mirrors Proverbs 13:11 (NIV) “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.” Teachings rooted in the biblical tradition always encourage us to build consistent positive habits. Especially the habits of thanksgiving, prayer, study and meditation. In the pursuit of your dreams, remember that Alex’s approach, founded on consistent habits, is the key to enduring success. Keep the torch of consistency burning, and you’ll find your way to massive success.

A Christian with a business mindset comprehends the world through a unique lens, possessing the necessary skills to flourish. This often challenges the notion that serving God implies running a nonprofit. An unwritten law that says people who claim to be devoted to God should stay away from business and commerce. However, history reveals a different narrative. Jesus, the ultimate example of purpose-driven living, didn’t exclusively recruit from religious circles. His inner circle of disciples included individuals from the marketplace. Fishermen and tax collectors found their place among His chosen, not temple workers or priests. They were ordinary people, engaged in everyday business pursuits.

In this approach, we see a fusion of spirituality and the secular, emphasizing the idea that business, when conducted with ethical principles and an unwavering commitment to faith, is a powerful medium for spreading the goodness of God. Mary Kay Ash, began her cosmetics business in 1963. She was a devout Christian who saw a lack of female opportunities in the corporate world, where she had spent many years working. Her faith and strong business acumen led her to found a company that helped women become entrepreneurs. God’s work is not restricted to the confines of a church or the realm of charity.

The marketplace, where transactions and innovations drive society, becomes an arena where faith can shine. Thus, for a business-minded Christian, every meeting, negotiation, and innovation is an opportunity to express God’s principles, reflecting His grace in their decisions, fostering fair and ethical practices. This is the key to serving as the salt and light of your world. You cannot keep an effective watch over your world if you ignore the business space. Just as Jesus called the individuals of His time, today’s business leaders can embrace their spiritual calling within the bustling corridors of commerce, building an example of faith-driven success, transforming ordinary business into extraordinary testimony.

To fully realize your creative and spiritual potential, you must exercise unwavering courage. Understand that being a creative and spiritual soul often comes with a weighty sense of being misunderstood. This very sentiment once engulfed Joseph. His quest to explore his unique gifts was met with a rebuke from his father and the envious scorn of his brothers, who went so far as to stage his death. Their misunderstanding arose from the fear that Joseph’s gifts could be a source of oppression. Little did they know, his heart was filled with kindness and integrity.

This tale of Joseph serves as a stark reminder that to follow your unique path, you must be prepared to weather the misunderstanding of others. Imagine a world where Henry Ford surveyed the people before pioneering the automobile. In this alternate reality, the populace, content with horse-drawn carriages, would likely have responded, “We need a faster horse.” That was the limit of their imagination. However, Ford was thinking beyond, envisioning a future where horses and carriages became obsolete. The masses would never have conceived the jump from horses to engines. This is a source of great misunderstanding.

You have to make your peace with the fact that you will be misunderstood. You are an enigma, and that is not a problem. We learn from 1 Corinthians 2:15 that creative, spiritual people can evaluate everything, but unspiritual people cannot discern or appraise them. You will do things that appear foolish in the short-term. Your ideas will only blossom with the passing of time. If you’re serious about expressing your creative talent, you must be willing to accept that others may not see your vision at first. Regardless of their confusion, please find the space and time to forge innovative pathways, redefining the future with your creative brilliance.

In a tranquil town, lived a man named Segun, engrossed in his work, day in and day out. His daughter, Subomi, yearned for his presence, but his career devoured his time. As the years passed, she fell into the company of dubious friends. Her teenage years brought the burden of unexpected motherhood. Segun now realized the cost of neglecting his family. The hours he hadn’t spent with his daughter would cost him years and effort in mending her life. It was a painful lesson – time not invested in our loved ones today could cost us dearly tomorrow.

This situation echoes an ancient tale from the Garden of Eden, where Adam’s absence while the serpent spoke to Eve led to disobedience, an act that changed humanity’s course. This ancient tale holds a timeless truth: if you don’t invest the time to be present in the lives of your loved ones, someone else will. In our own lives, not talking to our loved ones can create a void. The silence can be filled with unhealthy influences. To protect our relationships and families, we must bridge the gap of silence with open, honest, and loving communication.

In doing so, we deny the devil’s foothold and nurture understanding and harmony. When we invest in our family and friends today, we’re safeguarding our own future. It might require sacrifices in the present, but the rewards are immeasurable. Think about your own life. Are you allocating enough time to nurture the bonds with your family and friends? Are there relationships that need mending? Remember, the time you invest today can prevent the need for greater investments to repair the damage caused by neglect later on. The bonds you strengthen now can become the cornerstone of a brighter and more prosperous future.

It is critical to learn self-control and endurance for the greater good. According to Hebrews 12:2, Jesus, the ultimate example of faith, endured the cross, undeterred by the shame, for the joy that lay ahead. Similarly, for those with long-term goals, the journey might require short-term sacrifices. Endurance and sacrifice are required to pave the way to a brighter, more prosperous future. It is the realization that by deferring immediate gratification, we are investing in something far greater. Thus, the journey is more than just a test of patience; it is also a testament to our unwavering faith in the rewards of tomorrow.

The rewards of tomorrow far outweighs any pain or shame of today. As a result, when the world condemns such sacrifices, branding them as weakness or folly, we pay no attention. There is strength in restraint, self-control, and sacrifice for a higher purpose. Jesus chose to endure the cross over calling down fire, brimstone and a million angels to set himself free. A young apprentice endures the painful journey to mastery. Someone choosing to endure a bad marriage to protect their children from the horrors of growing up in a broken home. Such a fierce and powerful love, and it extends far beyond their own pain to protect their children.

So, the next time you find yourself at a crossroads, remember that sometimes the most powerful choice is not to act, but to wait – to exercise restraint for the sake of a better, brighter future. You might have the authority and the power to act right now, but doing so would be a mistake. In the wise words of Proverbs 17:27, be a person of understanding, and remember that true strength often resides in the ability to use few words and to be even-tempered, for the world is watching, and wisdom is a beacon in times of adversity.

According to experts and analysts, Hamas’ storming of Israeli communities on 7 October, 2023 was the most serious cross-border attack Israel has faced in more than a generation. There were multiple simultaneous attacks on various fronts, innocent civilians were killed, and many more were taken as hostages. The Israeli army possesses the necessary firepower to storm Gaza and leave no stone unturned in its quest to eliminate threats. However, it is not so simple. Anyone that has ever wielded power soon realizes the need for restraints. The big question is how does Israel protect itself, punish and disable Hamas without threatening the region’s long-term prospects?

In the hearts of many women, there lies a profound sacrifice, a silent battle between the shipwreck of a joyless marriage and the deep love for their children. They persevere not for their own fleeting happiness, but to protect their children from the raging storm that a divorce can bring. Despite the pain, they persevere, believing that waiting until the children are older is the wisest course of action. This strong restraint exemplifies a mother’s unconditional love, transcending her own pain for the sake of her children’s well-being. Many people regard such actions as weakness and folly. This, however, is not the case. A powerful person must always exercise restraint.

The wise learn to control their words and, eventually, their actions (Proverbs 17:27). As you get older, you realize that just because you have the rights and power to do something doesn’t mean you should. You could make a decision or act, but you realize it is best to wait. The world is watching Israel’s reaction to the October 7 attacks. They have the ability to crush the enemy, but they must consider a variety of scenarios as well as the cost to their country. There are no easy answers. What inconveniences are you willing to endure in the name of a brighter tomorrow?

In the heart of a bustling campus, a student once found himself frustrated by the sluggish flow of information. He had an idea to start a social media page and become the unofficial source for all news, events, and critical updates. Despite his efforts, the response was underwhelming. Doubts crept in, and he contemplated throwing in the towel. One day, he did just that – he quit. What happened next took him by surprise. People began to contact him, urging him to continue. In that moment, he realized a profound truth: he was having a greater impact than he could have imagined.

Sometimes, it’s easy to underestimate the value of your work, to think it’s irrelevant. You are unable to see the results that would justify the amount of time, energy, and resources you are devoting to the project. You began with a lot of zeal and determination. You imagined the impact of your work and how it would forever change your world. However, the reality is different. You have the impression that nothing is happening. According to the Bible, “hope deferred makes the heart sick: but when desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life” (Proverbs 13:12). Indeed, not getting the results you want can be heartbreaking.

Set a reasonable expectation for your work to save yourself from these negative thoughts and emotions. Your work is more important than you realize, and you are making a difference. There is, however, no such thing as an overnight success. It will always take time to dominate any industry or niche. Over time, your company, ministry, or nonprofit will grow and evolve into the massive organization you envision. Though your beginning was small, yet your latter end should greatly increase (Job 8:7). Never forget that our Lord Jesus encouraged us to pray so that we would not lose heart (Luke 18:1). All will be well.

In Luke 18, Jesus conveyed a powerful message about the importance of prayer. He emphasized the importance of prayer as a source of strength. You will not faint if you pray. And if you’re fainting, it’s possible that you haven’t prayed enough. When you pray, you will not lose heart or your hope for desired outcomes. This is an important concept because Proverbs 24:10 shows that our endurance reflects our inner strength during difficult times. Maintaining a consistent prayer routine provides a solid foundation for developing the resilience we require on our journey.

Resilience is the key to achieving anything significant. Your initial ideas have the potential to change the world forever, but that will not happen unless you remain firm in your faith. As you keep watch over your world, you will need to draw grace, wisdom, and power from “on high” on a regular basis. Matthew 26:41 (ESV) says, “watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” If you keep a watch over your home, community, city, or industry but do not also embrace a prayer culture, you are more likely to fail.

Your weak flesh will draw you away from your mission and towards vanities. You will succumb to the temptations of your surroundings. You will be drawn down alternative paths, compromising the integrity of your soul. We begin to understand why Martin Luther, the church reformer, said that “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” When you pray, temptation loses its grip and you will remain rooted in your purpose. Always remember that our Lord Jesus encouraged us to pray so that we would not lose heart (Luke 18:1). All will be well.

On a day when your vision was finally crystallized in your mind, you brimmed with excitement, boundless hope and eager anticipation to take your first steps. The impact of your work played vividly within your thoughts. However, once the journey began, a dramatic change occurred. Your faith clashed with the harsh reality of a world uninterested in your mission. Doubters and naysayers seemed to outnumber your true believers, and opportunistic people crossed your path, hoping to profit from your dreams. The scarcity of resources cast long shadows on your path. In these trying times, you must reconcile reality with your spiritual ideals.

Any spiritual person will always be frustrated by the realities of their world. To the spiritually attuned, the greed and lust that drives carnally minded people around is disgusting. In these situations, you must never ignore reality and retreat into your head. The vision in your head is perfect, but the world in which you intend to implement it is not. Some of your best ideas and strategies will prove to be mistakes. You will become discouraged. You will want to give up. This is all normal and to be expected as you progress through your career or start your own business, ministry, or organisation.

Your attitude and ability to respond well to adversity will determine whether your venture succeeds or fails. While you must keep an open mind and be willing to abandon the mission, such a course of action should only be pursued after extensive prayer, contemplation, and consultation. Do not abandon your spiritual mission without even trying. You must cultivate a strong spirit to sustain you and keep you going during difficult times (Proverbs 18:14). Remember that our Lord Jesus encouraged us to pray so that we would not lose heart (Luke 18:1). All will be well.