Area Message
“Faith-Based Entrepreneurship: How Partnering with God Can Lead to Success”
Having devoted a little more than two decades of my life to a renowned global corporation in the metallurgical industry, I poured my heart and soul into my job. I never thought about working elsewhere because I was happy with the company and planned to work there until my retirement.
Unfortunately, due to the multinational company’s restructuring program, the company in the Southeast Asian nation with the best manufacturing facilities and equipment was chosen to be the central manufacturing plant. All the other manufacturing plants with inferior facilities were closed, and all factory workers were laid off, retaining only the sales force and some accounting and warehouse staff. In our company, all senior managers except me were laid off, and as the only one left, I was transferred and promoted as an expatriate ASEAN Technical Manager in the country with manufacturing excellence over the other plants.
After several years, I had misunderstandings with my boss, and I lost my job. This came as a crushing blow, as I was not at all ready for it and was left feeling confused. I lost my professional career and financial stability for my family. However, despite the pain and uncertainty of losing my job, I knew that I could not let this setback define me. I turned to my faith in Jesus Christ for strength, comfort, and guidance. I prayed for wisdom, discernment, and perseverance. I sought advice and counsel from my priesthood leaders, as well as my family’s support through our family council. I never felt angry, nor did I blame God or Jesus Christ for what I considered to be my misfortune at that time. Instead, I had faith that, as my Savior, Jesus Christ could save me not only from my sins but also from the difficult challenge that I was currently facing. I prayed for wisdom on what to do next, just like the Prophet Joseph Smith did. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5).
The wisdom and inspiration I received inspired me to start my own business. With that thought, I began to feel fearful and doubtful about competing with larger companies in the industry I am planning to venture into. As a result, I asked God for His help and if He could be my business partner. I made an unusual proposal to Him, promising that I would dedicate my time and resources to serving Him in any callings He would entrust me with and serve others as well. I received inspiration to create a new product that did not yet exist on the market. This one product led to the beginning of my faith-based entrepreneurial journey. I began small, with limited resources. However, I had faith, determination, and the support of my family and siblings. I am reminded, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). Along the way, I learned that when you magnify your calling, keep your covenants, obey the commandments, pay an honest tithe and give a generous fast offering, keep the Sabbath day holy, and be united with and have a harmonious relationship with your spouse and family, you can anticipate that the Lord’s promises will be fulfilled. As the Lord said, “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise” (D&C. 82:10).
By having faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ, we can acquire the resilience to conquer any challenge and discover genuine contentment and joy. Despite facing numerous obstacles, setbacks, and trials, I obtained valuable insights from every downfall and felt more confident and empowered with every success. With every prayer, I felt more attuned to God’s purpose for my life. While the journey was difficult, it was also gratifying. I was able to provide for my family, generate employment opportunities for others, and make meaningful contributions to my community.
Looking back, I now realize how the problem of losing my employment became a chance for God to steer me towards a better path, improve my character, give me greater joy, and make me feel the love of God and our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, even more. I further understood the importance of genuine love and unity with our spouse, children, and family members. I also learned the wisdom of President Russell M. Nelson’s counsel to end conflicts raging in our hearts, homes, and lives. The sure solution to our problems is to be in harmony with our spouse and children, in partnership with God and our Savior Jesus Christ, and by adhering to His teachings and yoking with Him.
Whenever we partake of the sacrament every Sunday, we should be reminded of Jesus Christ’s supreme sacrifice for us. Through his infinite atoning sacrifice, we are given the chance to cleanse ourselves from our sins through sincere repentance and be able to gain our salvation by entering the sacred ordinations and covenants bestowed on us by God and by enduring to the end in righteousness. As we yoke with the Savior, adhere to His teachings, and keep our covenants, only then can we fully understand that success in life doesn’t only come from financial stability but rather from joy, inner peace, and contentment in this life and in the hereafter. When God welcomes us into His arms someday, only then can we say we have succeeded in this test called life.