A lot of businessmen have to believe first before being spurred to action. But there are some who are led to action by Faith. Faith is often mistaken for gut or instinct, it is neither. Faith is defined in the Bible in Hebrews 11:1 as “ being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. “ Let me recount to you this simple story.

A famous acrobat once performed before a small crowd on the roof deck of a tall building. He strung a tightrope from the edge of the building to the opposite edge of the next building. He asked the people present, “Do you believe that I can balance across the tightrope to reach the other side?” “No!” The audience chanted in unison. The acrobat then crossed over to the other side and came back. The audience cheered.

The acrobat then asked, “Do you believe that I can balance across the tightrope to the other side and back blindfolded? “ “No!” The audience chanted excitedly and in unison. The acrobat blindfolded himself then crossed over to the other side and came back. The audience cheered.

The acrobat then asked, “Do you believe that I can balance myself pushing a wheelbarrow across the tightrope to the other side and back blindfolded? “ “No!” The audience screamed in disbelief. The acrobat blindfolded himself then pushed the wheelbarrow across and back. The audience erupted in cheers.

The acrobat the asked again, “Do you believe that I can balance myself pushing a wheelbarrow across the tightrope to the other side and back blindfolded? “ “YES!” The audience cheered. “Do you have faith that I can do it?” “YES!” The audience erupted. “Good, I need a volunteer to sit on the wheelbarrow.” The acrobat responded. Suddenly there was silence. Nobody said anything and all eyes stared at the ground. That is the difference between believing and having Faith.

Having Faith means trusting everything to God. In Isiah 41:10, the Bible says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

What are the characteristics of people who rely on faith in business?

F-Fearless - They are capable of making big decisions. They are courageous and exercise decisive action. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men..." Colossians 3:23

A-Active – They believe in the power of preparation. They work hard to ensure that they are ready for all eventualities arising from their decisions. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. “ Matthew 7:7

I- Inspired – They believe in the power of prayer. They make it a point to develop the habit of prayer before making decisions. “ ..whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24

T-Trusting – They trust God with everything. They are honest in their assessments of themselves and seek to trust and develop a good network of family, friends, co workers that can give true feedback. “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27

H-Humility– They have humbled themselves before God and acknowledged that all that they have is His and His alone, and that they are only caretakers of God’s wealth and business. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. “ John 15:5

To start a business, we must believe in ourselves and in our ideas. But in order for the business to grow, we must have faith in ourselves and in our ideas. It is the intensity of our faith that attracts potential partners, employees, customers to believe in us. But it is only our Faith in God that will give us the true meaning of success. Let’s follow the examples of these ordinary individuals as they strive to make a difference. Each week, lets all get together and share knowledge, stories, experiences, information, all for the sole purpose of getting One Step Up.

For comments, suggestions or stories that you want to share, email me atstirspecialist@gmail.com , or visit www.stirspecialist.blogspot.com