Where Does God Fit In?
In the Hospitality Industry, where I proudly work, we are faced with the worst of times. The current worldwide economic crisis has challenged us to stretch our skills to new limits, and therefore, work much harder and smarter to retain our jobs.
I must say that I’m relatively new to sales and marketing, however, each day I have to develop and/or implement a new strategy to get tourists travelling; and I’m sure this is not unique to my organization.
During these times I always remember this old Chinese saying that Mr. Michael Lee Chin always use, during my days at NCB, “In every crisis there is an opportunity”.
For us the opportunity is summed up by the below exert from a Forbes.com article:
“Ask yourself what you can do now that you couldn’t do before. This is the crux of successfully taking advantage of a world turned upside down. Does this crisis allow you to dramatically improve brand loyalty? Are there things your company can do that will make a difference to people caught in these difficult times?”
Just look at Ryanair, an airline company, for a practical example. In a recent interview with the company’s CEO, Mr. O’Leary, he made the following quote: “We love recessions. The best outcome for us this winter is a good, deep recession.” Mr. O’Leary, argues that the economic downturn will force weaker carriers to cut routes, allowing his airline to move in and service these areas.” Mr. O’Leary sees a profit in others loss.
This got me thinking!
Do we place God first in all our plans: even in our personal and not just corporate life?
Look at these Bible readings on planning:
Psalm 127:1-2.
Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labour in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat– for He grants sleep to those He loves.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
The Bible offers three timeless principles for facing an uncertain future:
1. Let God set your goals. It’s foolish to make any plans without first consulting God. He’s the only one who does know the future, and he’s eager to guide you through it.”
2. Live one day at a time. While you can plan for tomorrow, you can’t live tomorrow until it arrives. Jesus said, “Don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time” (Matthew 6:34 LB).
3. Don’t procrastinate. Procrastinating is a subtle trap. It wastes today by postponing things until tomorrow. You promise yourself that you’ll do it “one of these days,” but then “one of these days” turns into “none of these days.”
Thought:
Leaders and organizations constantly make plans. Yet the Bible issues numerous warnings to every leader who develops plans without consulting God’s design. No one knows the future except God.
Keep in mind the following equation as you plan for 2009:
Our Preparation + God’s Providence = Success
Until next time keep safe.
