Surrender!

For most people, a working day is a day spent labouring under a delusion!
You see most people who go to work, do so to pay for their lives, to keep a roof over their head, to feed the hungry mouths of their families and so on. Most people who start a business do so because they wish one day to escape the toil of 'work', usually by putting in 16 hour days in the first few years, hoping they will be able to delegate themselves out of the 'grind' or better still, sell up and 'retire'. It's why so many people play the lottery, it's why some turn away from legitimate enterprise and engage in darker ways!
Most people, have turned away from the truth, probably because they think that what is offered is no better, or even worse, than what they have now. And I have to say, that from the outside, it seems the truth merely competes with the chaos, and represents only one option in a smorgasbord of alternatives. However, the 'Truth' is the truth. We can bury our heads in the sand and believe it isn't there - but it remains. We can look the other way and whistle, to drown out the noise it makes - but it remains. We can claim to have embraced one of the other alternatives, "so there is no point discussing it!" - but it remains. It is the Truth. It is and always will be. In fact the delusion, is not in embracing the Truth but in rejecting it, just because it needs faith to accept.
This week I encountered some wonderful words of wisdom that demonstrate how the Truth will set us free, so that our working lives can be so much more fruitful and satisfying and joyful. Bob Gass writes "Until we accept and cooperate with the law of gravity, we can't fly. Until we accept and cooperate with the law of economics, we can't succeed in business. Getting the idea? Surrendering to God is not weakness, it's wisdom. Only a fool resists God, because it's a fight we can't win. It's in surrendering to Him that we are empowered to succeed in what He's called us to do.".
Of course the key part of this, is 'surrender'. If our working day, whether through a job or business, isn't in line with His will, it's going to fail. We really don't have any control over the bigger picture of this reality, we can only add or take away flavour from the dish. Those who embrace His Truth, flow with the current, energy is saved and we find peace. No longer do we thrash against insurmountable tide, but are gently carried.
So why do so many thrash against the tide? Because they believe the rubbish they were raised on, that 'they must make their own way in life'. The Truth permeates all things - some years ago a large group of cockle-pickers were drowned on Morcambe sands. They were caught out by the returning tide, which rushes into the bay faster than a galloping horse. However, it doesn't return like a tidal wave, the water level just appears and then rises rapidly. The sands are notoriously dangerous even when the tide is out, but when the water returns the sand becomes quicksand. When people try to escape the water they panic and get stuck. They have usually wandered miles from safety. The truth is this - if you listen to those who know, you won't get caught out, but if you did, the truth is this - you simply lie down and surrender - and the tide lifts you, and you do not drown. Indeed the tide carries you towards the shore, where you will be saved.
So if your day has been, or will be, spent ignoring the truth, why not surrender and find peace?
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28).

"Your vision must come from God. There's a difference between setting your own goals and having a God-given vision."

First of all, may I wish everyone a Happy New Year, and what a start!
Today, UCB Christian radio summed up the point of this adventure that is Goodcommerce, a work of passion and a journey, and as the journey unfolds, the Lord never fails to amaze. Words spoken as if from the lips of God Himself (as they undoubtedly are), encourage and direct as only He can. Thank you Jesus. Please enjoy and remember these words are for you too. Take them, bathe in them and set about your 'field of dreams' in 2011 and beyond.

"Your vision - you must 'find' it! (1)     02 Jan 2011  '..."Write the vision and make it plain"...' Habakkuk 2:2
Notice two important things about vision: 1) Your vision must come from God. There's a difference between setting your own goals and having a God-given vision. When your vision is of God, '...it will surely come...' (Habakkuk 2:3). You won't have to orchestrate events; God will provide the resources and open doors at the right time. Your steps will be directed by Him. Here's an interesting Scripture: '...time and chance happen to them all. For man also does not know his time: like fish taken in a cruel net, like birds caught in a snare, so the sons of men are snared in an evil time...' (Ecclesiastes9:11-12 NKJV). God will reveal to you your destiny and give you an opportunity to fulfil it. But you can resist it, or postpone it, or give your life to other things and end up missing your 'time' and 'chance.' Don't get caught in that net or trapped in that snare and forfeit what God has for you. 2) Your vision will be connected to a certain field. Joseph's dream started with a field of wheat (Genesis 37:6-7). What's your field? Whether God calls you to the field of medicine, education, finance, real estate, or some other field, it's to be a blessing to others. God told Abraham, '...I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing' (Genesis 12:2 NIV). Don't seek fame, seek to serve others. If you do your impact will be greater than your image and your eternal reward greater than anything you can drive, wear, live in, or hang on a wall."

Have a great year and may the Lord bless you with abundance and the joys of rightful living.
Mike

Goodcommerce is on the UP.

Here you will find posts related to our progress, reflections on the philosophy we hold, insights into our purpose, instruction and information on many things business and work related and recommendations and suggestions for work and business practice that will reward you again and again.

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 Have a great day, keep coming back, and may God bless you in your endeavours. Mike