Get Help!

by Patrice Tsague, Nehemiah Project International Ministries

" Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side." II Kings 4:4

So many entrepreneurs fail or do not achieve their fullest potential because they do not want or know how to motivate others to work with them. The Bible is full of passages that encourage us to work together to accomplish a common vision yet many of us still insist on working solo out of mistrust or ignorance.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

"For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." Matthew 18:20

And the Lord God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him." Genesis 2:18

No one ever achieved success in the marketplace without a competent team of people to assist them. Are you rallying the assistance of others in the development of your business? God never intended us to work alone and independent of each other. In the Garden of Eden it was God, not Adam, who noticed that Adam was alone and He decided to make Him a helper suitable for him. If you have a family you must include them in the development and implementation of your business idea for they are the team the Lord has given you. Your spouse is your partner, whether or not he or she is actively involved in the business.

Should something happen to you tomorrow guess who must take responsibility for the business? Your spouse of course, unless you have grown children who can handle it. Is he or she prepared to do so? I have seen so many married entrepreneurs who, for whatever reason, operate their businesses independent of their spouse which is always a recipe for disaster and even divorce. An uninvolved spouse can become jealous of the business and even feel insecure because he or she does not share that area of your life with you. It is your responsibility to involve them in what you are doing even if they act as though they are not interested.

The prophet Elisha encouraged the widow in II Kings 4:4 to get the assistance of her children in manufacturing the products she sold in the market place to pay back her debt. He recognized that she could not accomplish this task by herself and her children needed to have ownership in the process. It also allowed her children to experience the supernatural power of God. The types of help you need in the development and growth of your business may include:

· Family assistance - If you have family, involve them as much as possible, this includes the children. By involving them you will save money and bring the family closer.

· Professional assistance - There are areas of your business that you are not skilled to handle. Consider getting other professionals to assist and counsel you so that you can focus on what you do best. As you know "in the multitude of counselors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14). The key to success is to focus on your strengths and allow others to support you where you are weak.

· Friends and associates - Remember that the only meaningful friendships you can have are with those who relate to you based on God's purpose and plan for your life. Anyone who does otherwise may be a tool the enemy will use to distract you from accomplishing your purpose. You can test a meaningful friendship by whether or not your friend or associate is willing to assist you in the development and growth of your business. Invite them to be a part and you may be surprised at their response.

In order to effectively get the help of others, you must be able to overcome the enemies of team work and togetherness which include pride, shame, ignorance, self confidence, and fear.