What Does God Know About Business?

What Does God Know About Business? is an autobiographical account of a successful South African businessman’s journey of learning how to involve God in all aspects of his business and personal life.

Nico van der Merwe shares honestly about his difficult home life as a child, his ‘wild’ younger days, as well as the peace and transformation that came to him when he became a Christian. Delving into many deeply personal, business and spiritual issues, including integrity, adversity, the fear of failure, materialism, pride and burnout, Nico highlights the importance of having a God-given vision and walking in faith, integrity, humility, obedience and generosity – especially in tough times.

One of the hallmarks of Nico’s faith journey, and how God has guided him, his family and staff, is through the discipline he has cultivated over the years to spend time alone with the Lord each day – praying, waiting, reading scripture, seeking wisdom, and laying down anxieties at God’s feet.

Nico and his family have faithfully pursued their vision to make a profound difference in deaf education and have experienced miraculous success despite having to face many a closed door, including having donor funding retracted because of their Christian convictions. I have known Nico personally for over 10 years and can attest to the way he authentically lives out his faith in the workplace – using his influence and the incredible international acclaim of the business and foundation to honour God.

If I had to sum up this book in one phrase, it would be in the words of South Africa’s former President Nelson Mandela, who was the honorary guest speaker at the opening of the Eduplex school, and spoke about Nico’s vision and the impact of the educational facilities to be one that “turns tragedy into triumph”.

Providing practical guidelines for putting God first in our lives and allowing Him to transform us inwardly as we journey in faith, this is not just a book for business leaders, but for anyone who wants to seek out God’s purposes in life’s hardships and desert experiences, as well as in times of plenty! It will encourage you to develop the kind of faith that puts God at the centre of your life, both at home and in the workplace.

Review by Lauren Henning