Don't Panic. Pray, Pivot & Proceed.

As faith-based leaders in non-religious sectors, it especially important that during this worldwide coronavirus pandemic, we stand out as light in darkness and salt that flavors the environment.

During this season of increased uncertainty, place your faith and hope for your Work and your industry in the grace, mercy, and power of the Lord. Turn to the word of God for wisdom and guidance in your life and your Work.

Do not panic. Instead: Pray, Pivot, and Proceed.

Pray. 

As people who love the Lord, follow Jesus, and model the character of Christ, we are called to be light in dark places. The entire world has entered a season where many people are panicking and see more darkness than light. You are called to be light.

For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light – for the fruit of light consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth – testing what is pleasing to the Lord. Don't participate in the fruitless works of darkness [LIKE BEING FEARFUL], but instead expose them. Ephesians 5:8-11

• Pray for wisdom, insight, knowledge, understanding, and the creativity needed to be light in the darkening places of your industry.

Shift your focus away from what you are losing because of local and worldwide reactions to this coronavirus. Instead, place your faith and focus on the power of Holy Spirit at work within you and around you.

• Pray that God opens your eyes to see wells of opportunity right in front of you and guides you in successfully digging business-sustaining wells where ever you go (like He did for Abraham and Issac in the book of Genesis).

• Pray that like Abraham saw the ram in the bush right when he needed it, you will see the needs of your clients, customers, target community, and industry during this season of transition.

• Pray that like God opened Hagar's eyes to see a well where the Bible suggests she hadn't seen one before, God will open your eyes to the wells (i.e., sources for sustaining life and business) of opportunities right in front of you.

Pivot.

We have entered a season in business where things are transitioning, and in many ways, never to be the same again. Don't waste time lamenting over what is gone or seems to be soon ending.

He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. Daniel 2:21

Instead:

1. Exercise your faith by focusing on the current state of affairs in your particular business sector and what you can offer through your Work to meet changing needs.

2. Pay attention to what has changed in lives and daily activity your target audience (e.g., people are at home, children are at home, social gatherings are limited or eliminated, etc.).

3. Be aware of what is now available that wasn't before with the same level of access (e.g., free and low-cost internet service, free and discounted access to video-share tools, stores and shops closed, etc.).

4. Connect the dots between (i) what has and is changing; (ii) what needs are being created because of things out of our control; and (iii) how you can use what you have, know and can learn to be of great service to those who need the Work you do (or could do) through your business, career, or job.

Your bottom line will reflect your increased attentiveness and targeted service to your ideal clients and the industry-at-large So, pivot your mindset from what was … to what now is and can be. Then, proceed.

Proceed.

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. James 2:17

Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? James 2:21-22

Faith without works is dead. Once you've pivoted your mindset from things of the past to things of the “here, now, and future,” proceed into action.

Here's how:

Do it now, don't wait.

Test your idea.

Do a trial.

Launch a pilot.

Get feedback.

Revise, refine, and re-deliver quickly.

In times of crisis, leaders lead, counsel and encourage those we are charged with serving through our Work in business, careers and jobs. So, get to leading, keep calm, and counsel on!

Now that you know, what will you do?

Blessings! ~ TC