Doing Business in Deep Waters!
Posted on June 25, 2012 by“Those who go down to the sea in ships, Who do business on great waters, They see the works of the Lord, And His wonders in the deep. For He commands and raises the stormy wind, Which lifts up the waves of the sea. They mount up to the heavens, They go down again to the depths; Their soul melts because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, And are at their wits’ end. Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, And He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, So that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!”
(Psalm 107:23-31)(NKJV)
As you may know, there are two ways of doing business; the safe and tested way doing business in shallow water, or on the other hand, the risky and challenging path of doing business in deep waters. Many business men and women chose the latter path. Often the outcomes of their decisions are difficult and trying. When this happens there is the nagging doubt of whether of not the right choices were made. Well, no matter, the real mission now is to learn how to navigate in deep waters.
Many think the trials and struggles successful men and women experience on their voyage to success are chance, bad choices, regrettable drawbacks, or limitations acquired or even inherited. These factors have an effect on the voyage, but some of these are fundamental challenges that are always going to be there. The passage from the book of Psalms outlines the principles of what a person can expect when their career and life choices push them into unknown territory or causes them to venture into uncharted waters.
This story describes the fundamental perils of doing business in deep waters. The analogy here is of mariners, merchants, or business people, who dared to venture into the open seas in pursuit of significant career changes and business opportunities. That path ultimately leads them to the storms of life and the critical circumstances outside of their control. Wind and waves form gigantic mountains of water that causes the wooden ship, with creaking timbers, to crest to enormous heights and then suddenly crash into the depths. This is much like the turbulent outcome of one’s best written business plan in the mist of unpredictable adversity. It is a good plan, but in deep waters sudden and divinely prompted trials cause the best of mariners to reel to and fro.
Consider the current circumstances: Is it possible that these challenges that we face are, in fact, divinely inspired storms of alarming proportions? Are they designed to cause the toughest business person to lose courage in order that they might seek divine assistance? How amazing! It’s at this point we realize that there is a force at work greater than our human capacity. Here we acknowledge our finite abilities by asking the Almighty for help …and just in the nick of time! “Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, And He brings them out of their distresses.”
It is at the end of our rope that we discover relief. It is at our acknowledgment of the end of our abilities that God helps! He calms the swirling winds and the dashing waves cease and. The journey is worth it for there are great treasures found in deep waters! And here, in the midst of tranquil success, there is a mandate for the personal testimony; it is an acknowledgement due God from all those that He has helped to reach their desired career destination. This is especially true of those that consider themselves the children of God. “Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!”
Thoughts to Ponder
- The challenges that you face are not unique! The path to success always passes through stormy waters.
- Have you gotten to the point of asking for help? Perhaps from:
- A business person who have been where you are?
- A counsel or coach to help reach your stated goal?
- Or are you humble enough to ask God for help?
- Do you find it difficult to express your personal dependence on God to bring you success? If so consider why?
Erven Kimble is an accomplished pastor, teacher, author, community leader, licensed Christian Counselor and Real Estate entrepreneur. Erven is a visionary that has faithfully served as the Senior Pastor of a local church in Lilburn, Georgia for twenty years.
The author searched the Book of Proverbs and Psalms and extracted wisdom that reference business and finances to produce the series of articles called “Business By The Book”. The purpose of these articles is to present time tested and proven Biblical principles in a way that is practical, relevant and beneficial to the average business person.
