Who Said It
John Beckett

John Beckett is chairman of the R. W. Beckett Corporation in Elyria, Ohio, which manufactures engineered components for residential and commercial heating. The company, with its affiliates, has sales of nearly $100 million, with 600 employees. John also co-founded Advent Industries, a manufacturing company that provides job training for the hard to employ.

What He Said
Whose Business?

As I took being a disciple seriously, I asked myself, "Is business truly my calling or just my personal preference? Should I be in a more direct form of ministry?" After several months of sustained prayer, I sensed God asking if I was willing to completely release my involvement in the company and follow a very different life direction.

I really didn't want to hear that question! I marshaled my arguments for staying put—continuing the family heritage, providing for my mother and the family, applying my technical and business expertise. But I concluded this wasn't a negotiating session. Instead, God was probing my heart, examining my motives.

After much soul-searching I released my future to God. "This business can't be mine and Yours at the same time," I told Him. "If You're asking me to forego this vocation and do something else, I'm willing." An overwhelming sense of His affirmation and peace resulted. "John," God seemed to say, "I needed to know you were willing to follow Me, whatever, wherever. But you are where I want you to be. I've called you to business."

Adapted from Loving Monday (InterVarsity, 1998) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, help me to be Your faithful ambassador in the occupation to which You have called me.

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