10 Reflections On Integrating Faith And Work

Heike Kannemeyer is an experienced PR and marketing specialist and the owner of Season Seven Consulting, a company that helps businesses achieve their growth targets through strategic communications, PR and digital marketing.

God poured out His favour on my life when my third formal job as a PR Manager, at the age of 26, led to me co-owning a successful communications agency. After serving in the business for seven years, I sensed God saying, “This season is coming to an end and a new one is about to start.” At the time, I was mentally exhausted and desperately needed a break. God in His grace gave me a season of rest, a Sabbath – and three months later, I felt restored and ready to work again.

In wrestling with God over what to do next, two scriptures in particular encouraged me: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Matthew 7:7) and “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). Our plans stretch only as far and wide as we can think, but God has greater plans that go beyond our knowledge and understanding – so why not just give in to His plans, they are so much better after all!

Here are ten reflections from my personal experience of integrating my faith and work:

1.   Have daily conversations with God

He is truly Emmanuel, ‘God with us’. Speak to Him as you are typing that email, sending that proposal or compiling a business plan. He is in the details and can direct you as you go along.

2.   Be intentional about the company you keep

Who do you need by your side to get you to where God wants you and in a way that pleases Him? Be intentional about the company you keep – friends, business advisors, spiritual mentors or life coaches. Always be teachable. Don’t be shy to ask for prayer from those close to you, especially before that important meeting or decision – ask for wisdom, guidance, creativity and clarity about the way forward.

3.   Be intentional about what you ‘eat’

Without regularly consuming healthy ‘spiritual food,’ you cannot hear, see or operate in the things of God effectively. Consuming the Word for our spirit to operate in the things of God is as vital as eating healthy food for our bodies to function properly.

4.   Trust in His guidance

What or who leads you? It is important to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and be willing to change your plans based on your spiritual discernment – whether that be in the minutes before an important meeting, or over weeks of making a big business decision. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6).

5.   Trust in His timing

Often, we want to run while God wants us to walk slowly. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9). Listen and obey.

6.   Make time to be alone

When we are still and alone, He speaks and we can hear Him more clearly. Prayer and fasting are effective ways for God to reveal our kingdom purpose and assignments.

7.   Write it down

When God speaks, write down what you hear, what you feel, your dreams and visions. Along the journey, you will be able to look back and see how it all worked out the way He intended. Reminding ourselves of answered prayer and of God’s intervention in the past is a great way to build faith for the future.

8.   Rest in the peace of God

Learn to recognise what the peace of God feels like. Be strong enough to decline what looks like a great offer or deal in the natural, when you don’t feel the peace of God.

9.   Prioritise the Kingdom

If you prioritise Him and His ‘business’ (in other words, what He is busy with) He will take care of yours. ^“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

10.   It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers now

You do not have to know it all right away, for you to move forward. We often doubt the capabilities and skills we have today, but He knows our beginning and end – He knows what we are capable of tomorrow, which goes beyond our knowledge today. God can do what He said He would do. He’s going to fulfil every promise to you and your business. Make Him your business partner and you’ll succeed in ways you never thought possible.