One of the most difficult challenges in business is to be patient and wait—wait on God. Our default is generally TO DO, to TAKE ACTION. In fact, much of my work and value as a business coach is to “help people DO what they would not normally DO on their own.” On top of this, the world values and reinforces ACTION, speed, quick response, instant gratification. So to wait is counter-intuitive.
God loves to be counter-intuitive and he calls us to sometimes TAKE ACTION and to sometimes WAIT TO MOVE. The Israelites experienced this very dramatically as they set out for the Promised Land. God was their guide by means of a cloud. God’s directions were simple—move with the cloud. Sometimes the cloud did not move for a day, a week, even a year. I can imagine the frustration the Israelites felt. They lost their ability to plan and to be in control. They had to be tempted, as I often am, to move—to do something—because it feels like it’s time to act. Waiting feels unproductive.
Today we continue to be challenged in similar ways. We are not to move unless the Holy Spirit’s “cloud” leads us. It takes great faith to move only when directed, to surrender our will to God’s will, to trust our actions and plans to Him and not succumb to the pressure to move on our own.
Take a moment and look up. Are you and your business under God’s cloud right now? Maybe you have moved when He said to stay put. If so, take cover.
Good!! Really like your post. In my business and worldly view Havingness, and Doingness are the measures of success, status etc. In my Godly view it is all about Being, Being One with God. It takes me places I never dreamed of and/or did not want to go. Thanks for your thoughts and reminder. God bless.