If I could give a gift to the mom who is launching her first business…to the woman who is writing that first blog post…to the mother who is ready to make a change in her life and career…I would give her this: the ability to see herself through the eyes of Christ. With all the expert advice that’s so easily uncovered via Google and Amazon, I think perhaps the best business tip I’ve learned is to see what God sees in you.
Call it a lack of confidence or fear of the unknown, but too many of us "mompreneurs" are not living up to our potential because we’re simply not seeing it. I know this because I’ve lived it. I’ve watched opportunities come and go because I didn’t believe in my ability to succeed. Because I defined myself by the success standards of the world – and not by the natural gifts I took for granted. I can find myself feeling this way again, if I’m not careful.
And I know this to be true of other moms because they share their stories with me. I hear from women all over the globe who are excited about building a business or launching a ministry. Faith-filled moms who are ready to step out and do what they are called to do. But they’re feeling less than qualified. They’re feeling discouraged by their lack of credentials or experience. They’re feeling ill-equipped for the task at hand.
If any of this sounds familiar, I want you to know I understand, because I’ve been in your shoes and I’ve lived with your doubts. I want to share with you a few words of encouragement I’ve come to rely on when I’m feeling less than confident.
Five Encouraging Scriptures for Mom Entrepreneurs
1. God created you to do amazing things!
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
2. He is the source of your confidence and strength.
"Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God."
3. The world needs YOUR special gifts.
"But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body."
“No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you."
5. You already have everything you need to succeed.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
So the next time you are feeling inadequate or ill equipped as a mom or a business owner, take a look at how God sees you and your future. Remind yourself of these truths and take heart in knowing God has plans for you to prosper.
What scriptures do you rely on for courage and confidence?
Theresa Ceniccola is The Christian Mompreneur—a mentor to moms who are running a business that supports their values of faith and family. As president and founder of the International Christian Mompreneur Network, she empowers entrepreneurial moms to build profitable businesses with wisdom and grace. Join the International Christian Mompreneur Network for free and receive the Ten Commandments of a Mompreneur toolkit!
Publication date: July 15, 2014