I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. – John 16:33

I have been asked these questions over and over again by Christians – “Why is it so difficult to be a Christian and to be nice to people who are nasty? Why does it seem so easy for other people to lie their ways out of trouble and I have to be honest about the truth? Why does it seem that Christians in the marketplace find it so difficult to live a biblical principle as in the bible?” Friends have commented that it seems harder for committed Christians in business and in works to live out committed biblical principles in their lives. They wondered why. I have only one comment. That is, if you are not a Christian and sought to do your work or business without any regard to maintaining a biblical philosophy or principle, then definitely things will be much smoother.

We are talking about a spiritual principle here. The Israelites fought only two battles after crossing the Jordan and before they entered the Promised Land. When they stepped into the Promised Land, they had to fight 39 battles. Why is this so? The Bible did not say that the way of the cross is laced with bed of roses or golden path. Instead, the way of the cross is paved with grace from God. When we seek to honour God in our business and our works, there will be opposition from the principalities and spiritual forces of this world. The Bible says that those who are of the world do not love the Light. How then do we face the battles? It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit and the blood of the Lamb. We have to commit ourselves to walk in the Spirit and be led by the Spirit. We are to be gentle as doves but wise as serpents. We are to let the Word of God to be a lamp unto our feet guiding our every step and decision.

As a child of God, you should not be surprised to find your walk to be harder as a believer than when you were a non-believer. Now, you have more at stake among the spiritual forces that desire for you to be defeated and ineffective. But we have the promise that Jesus has already conquered the world on the cross. Victory is in His hands and we have the promised victory and divine guidance when we put God first in our life. He has given us weapons to stand first against the evil forces and to wield a victorious battle in our life, business and works.

Jesus is your Victory. He is your Strength. He is also your Inspiration. And He is your Guard. Commit your plan and desires to God and He will show you His plan by planting His thoughts into yours to guide you along the way.

Question yourself:

• Have I acknowledge God in everything I do including my personal life, family life, business and workplace?

• Have I committed my plan and desires to God first or do I simply go ahead and ask for help when I run into trouble?