Why? Why do you do what you do?
Why do you pour your time, treasure, and talents into building a business?
Last night I saw for perhaps the fifth time the award-winning classic Chariots of Fire. Though I don’t agree with Eric Liddell’s view of God as a “divine dictator” who demands that Christians keep Sunday as a day of rest, I deeply admire Eric’s conviction—his willingness to give up the opportunity of a lifetime to stand by his beliefs. Makes me wonder… would I be willing to do that?
Success comes with sacrifice. Eric voluntarily gave up the chance to run for England in the 100-meter race at the 1924 Olympics because the qualifying heat was on a Sunday. Perhaps you gave up a “secure” position in Corporate America to follow God’s call to become an entrepreneur. Maybe you gave up a paycheck. Maybe health insurance. Retirement. Whatever your sacrifice, you must remain strong in your convictions or you will be oh-so-tempted to swerve when the going gets tough…as it will.
Want to know what else I love about Eric Liddell? He knew God gave him the heart of a missionary, and he knew God made him fast. Really fast. This “Flying Scotsman” used his marvelous ability as a runner to spread and strengthen his mission as an evangelist. He knew his “Big Why” and drew upon that “why” as he ran the race of life. “I believe God made me for a purpose,” he told his concerned sister. “But he also made me fast.”
Eric ran with perseverance the race marked out before him. He steadfastly fixed his eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of his faith. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
My heart aches for Harold Abrahams each time I see the movie. A scorned son of a Jewish immigrant, Harold hungers for acceptance and honor among the British establishment. His why is big, yes, but it’s a why that torments him. We’re left wondering if he ever finds peace and joy even though his determination to succeed brings him victory in France.
Our whys as Christian Women Entrepreneurs must inspire us to clear the hurdles before us with joy and perseverance, not fear and angst.
Know your why.
Know what it needs to do for you.
And hold it close to your heart. Forever.
Fabulous post Jory! I was just having this conversation with a friend yesterday…she has been eeking along in the business she started a few years ago after she gave up a high-pay corporate job and is wondering if it’s time to head back to that life.
I’m working 40 hours a week, writing blogs and producing a radio show to serve women WITHOUT PAY OR SUPPORT. We agreed that God had called us to where we are and as long as He wants us here, he’ll provide. We also agreed to pray for each other that we’d have clarity about when/if to change up or head back into other jobs.
There is certainly a time to wait on God and persist, following our convictions. There is also a time to realize that the “assignment” is over and He wants us to take a new course.
Great insight.
Diane
Oh, Diane. I hear you. And I can well imagine the conversation you and your friend were sharing. So many of us struggle with the question of calling and timing and hearing God’s voice in the details. I’m glad you and I are closely connected so we can help keep each other on task with our respective divine assignments.
Blessings and Joy,
Jory