I love to start new things. Whether it’s a project, craft, Bible study or business, I’m a great initiator. In the first blush of new beginnings, I enthusiastically gather supplies, carve out time, invite a few friends and plunge right in.

Coaching is no exception. When I began this journey, I gave it my all.

For a while…

Poor Endings

But alas, I am not a good finisher. As the project, study, craft, or career heads towards that murky middle, my enthusiasm wanes. With the initial burst of energy spent and the finish line nowhere in sight, my attention starts to waver, and it’s tempting to move on to the next new thing.

When the going gets tough, I give up.

How about you?

A Genetic Advantage

I envy those who can count the cost, make a commitment, and see it through to the bitter end. Sadly, I share no common genes with this rare breed.

At least, that’s my excuse!

Not surprisingly, one year into my entrepreneurial journey building my business got harder, the siren voices calling “quit, quit” got louder, and I started looking for the exit ramp.

That’s when James 1:2-4 came to my rescue:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4 NIV

Perseverance

Out of all the completely cool words in those verses, the one that grabbed me was ‘produces.’ “PRODUCES perseverance.”

What? Perseverance is product of something? It isn’t inherited from parents who came from the higher end of the ‘stick-to-it-no-matter-what’ gene pool? Perseverance is actually attainable? Even for someone like me?

Wow – the implications are enormous.

I eagerly put the verse in reverse to see what produces this amazing gift of stick-to-itiveness. Hmmm, ‘…the testing of your faith produces perseverance.’

Faith

Well, I certainly qualified. In this business-building journey, my faith was and is constantly tested.

Faith that…

• sowing marketing seeds reaps coaching clients
• successful coach-marketers rise before the sun
• eternal satisfaction comes from delayed gratification
• when the going gets tough, God is still there
• this business is God’s; He will bring it to pass

According to James, this fight for faith entails more than making my business succeed. It is a pitfall-strewn but God-possible path to the holy grail of perseverance. Perseverance that could serve me in all areas of life, so much so that James says I can face each temptation with joy knowing that God is building a whole new habit of endurance inside of me.

I love the way the J.B. Phillips New Testament captures these thoughts:

When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives my brothers, don’t resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends! Realise that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance.
James 1:2-4 (emphasis added)

Clearly, a healthy coaching business is just one of the many benefits we’ll receive when we stand firm. Each temptation along the way is a sheer gift as well.

“Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.”

How Can I Pray for You

What trial are you facing in your business today? Share it in the comment section below, so I can pray for you.