We all want to feel confident but there are some things we do not feel we are capable of doing, at least not doing well. Having spent more than 30 years in management, the Bible made it very clear that whatever we do, as Christian believers, it is not what we do but it’s the Holy Spirit working through us.

II Corinthians 3:4 – 6a – “Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent.” When we become spiritually mature, we realize that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. We must believe that the Holy Spirit gives us gifts of the Spirit to help us accomplish our many tasks that we face.

Having coached in high school, you teach the basic fundamentals of any sport. I found that I had an advantage in the workplace because the Bible told me the basics of being in management. This is why it is so important for Christians to pray for wisdom, a discerning spirit and faith to communicate with God prior to making most decisions.

In the Old Testament, kings and prophets were always asking God in making decisions. King David would ask God before any military attack. If God said yes, he attacked with confidence knowing the outcome. Prophets were always asking God for guidance and direction. No major decision would ever be made without asking God. We have been given the Holy Spirit to give us similar guidance in making decisions. I pray daily asking God to help me make decisions when investing for clients. There is no doubt that I have received guidance, not audible, but from results.

God given wisdom provides a person with common sense. You would think that everyone, to some degree, has common sense. Most should know that more is accomplished by being friendly, pleasant, sociable, courteous and adaptable. One must know how to handle difficult problems when they happen. We must understand how to motivate other people and one’s self. Common sense realizes the importance of building sound and lasting working relationships.

Common sense should tell one that hard work is important. There is just too many who seem to believe that the world owes them a living. We are measured by the amount and quality of the work we accomplish. You do not become a professional athlete without tremendous amounts of physical preparation. I believe wisdom that produces common sense gave me an advantage in motivating people and making decisions.

The Holy Spirit gives the gift of faith. Faith provides confidence and the willingness to take risks. So many people fear making decision or trying new things. If a believer has true faith, they believe that they could move mountains. It is so important to have the confidence and a positive mental attitude. A good employee is one you can give a project to and believe that they can do it and get it right. Too often, people are unwilling to take the responsibility without detailed instructions. Faith and confidence provides creativity. You do not find too many founders of companies unwilling to take risks. In fact, in most cases this is the difference between those who are successful and those who are not.

It is extremely important to have a discerning spirit. We must know the difference between what is right and what is wrong. We must be able to discern the difference between a team player and a person that demoralizes other employees. We must also be capable of eliminating those, in a Christian way, who are not productive. I believe the Holy Spirit will assist in making these types of decisions.

Matthew 17:20 – “He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

I was promoted eight times throughout the northwest and Nevada. I had an agreement with God that He would not let me go to a job I was not capable of handling. After a few months I felt complete confidence in a new position. My last promotion, we had as many as 450 employees. My confidence came from believing God opened the door and allowed me the opportunity. He would not allow me to be promoted to something He would not help me do. God loves me enough that He did not want me to fail unless it was to prepare me for something greater.

Feeling worthy and confident, being able to discern came from God. My commitment was to have a personal relationship with God and be totally acceptable to His commands and His ways. God used me in His ministry and used the workplace to prepare me. I also studied Scripture daily and spent time each day communicating with Him. Any success I may have had, I realize was God’s doing.

(In college my ability to write term papers and essays was just a little better than zero. If you would have told me I would write 632 Christian blogs, you would realize that I have had help from above. This proves to me that God wants to help us.)