9. God uses adversity to prepare us for bigger and better things.
2 Corinthians 7:4 I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds. Henry Crowell believed God had a hand on his life. So when he discovered that he must move out West for 7 years to overcome tuberculosis, he never lost his faith because he knew he had a greater purpose in the journey. He finally discovered it when he returned to Ohio and was led by the Lord to begin building the Quaker Oats company.
10. We learn to overcome fear and negativity as we live by faith.
John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. In 1980, I was struggling with a failing business. One day, I saw a demon in my mind trying to destroy me. Through the testimony of another businessman, I realized Christ was my answer to overcome the fear that gripped me.. The next day, I committed my life to Him and within 7 days He led me to a business called TEC that changed me and hundreds of CEOs over the next 13 years. That depressing experience rocked my world, yet brought me peace of mind, a sense of purpose and joy (even in my pain) beyond my ability to describe it to you.
7. We grow in humility and willingness to change. Matthew 18:3 And Jesus said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Children are open and teachable. The best organizations are listening to their customers, employees and suppliers. Former CEO of Tenneco, Michael Walsh, said “The main requirements of leadership are guts and judgment. To win trust you have to make yourself vulnerable.” Any good small business person is a leader and a teacher. But even more important he or she is a student teacher, constantly learning and trying to improve themselves and their flock.
8. We learn to work smarter and not always harder. 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. “People are not just remembered by how few times they fail, but by often they succeed. Every wrong step is a step forward.” said Thomas Edison. Tom Watson, who really built IBM into a worldwide company, said something similar…”Successful companies just make mistakes faster.” A recession is a great time to learn what did not work and where to keep trying.
5. Forgiveness is the medicine needed to free the offended from the poison of bitterness.
Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness can kill a business and its leaders. Adolph Coor, IV, who’s Dad ran the brewery, forgave his Father’s murderer in prison which allowed him to live a life of redemption and an example of God’s love through Christ’s sacrifice. His healing heart has influenced thousands of Americans to be set free from the burden and pain of unforgiveness.
6. We discover wisdom is more important than money.
Proverbs 17:16 Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom? In my earnest hours of prayer and calling out for wisdom and discernment, the Holy Spirit dropped this phrase into my heart. “True wealth is not a measure of success but of responsibility.” Through the Grace of God, many men can amass a great deal of money. But money is merely a means of exchange, not something to live for. Its purpose is Stewardship. When Johnson & Johnson pulled potentially contaminate bottles of Tylenol off the shelves around the country, they chose responsibility over profits to serve their customers with integrity.
7. We grow in humility and willingness to change.
Matthew 18:3 And Jesus said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Children are open and teachable. The best organizations are listening to their customers, employees and suppliers. Former CEO of Tenneco, Michael Walsh, said “The main requirements of leadership are guts and judgment. To win trust you have to make yourself vulnerable.” Any good small business person is a leader and a teacher. But even more important he or she is a student teacher, constantly learning and trying to improve themselves and their flock.
