13th. May. 2020. Daily Devotion.

There is an almost apocalyptic feel about the time of coronavirus which is reflected in Revelation 18:11 in which the fall of Babylon, representing Rome and the great empires of the world, is described: “The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their cargoes anymore…”

This morning we think about the businesses which supply goods to the population and community and provide employment for many, and how they are suffering. The Bible does not condemn business except where traders use dishonest methods like false balances or “make the bushel smaller and the shekel bigger” to defraud the poor or sell the refuse of the wheat. See Amos 8:4-6.

Here is a commendation of good business from Proverbs, which commends an efficient business woman.
10 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 ‘Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.’
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Honour her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. Proverbs 31:10-26

Pray today for all who are suffering in their business, who are dependent upon the government’s now extended furlough system, and who struggle to keep on their employees. One businessman told me recently that he needs £10,000 a week to pay his staff, but his front shop is closed. Pray especially for the small and family businesses, especially for any that you know. Here is a businessperson’s prayer to guide our thoughts:

Loving Lord and heavenly Father, things are getting difficult throughout the whole business world, and the same is the case with my own little business. Yet I felt led by Your hand to go into this line of work some time ago, and You have been very gracious to me, for which I bless Your name. Father, I know that all things come from You and Your set-up, but You also lay aside when a job is completed.

Look down on my business Lord. Lord, it is a failing business, for things are getting very difficult, and there are times when I wonder if I should shut the doors on this work entirely, or labour to maintain it. So, Lord, I am casting this burden on You, for You have called all those that are heavy laden to cast their burdens on You and You have promised to carry them all. Praise Your name.

Lord, You know that this work is what I have been used to and I am ill-equipped to learn a new skill in this economic climate, but Father, I want to be in Your will, and so I want to hand my whole business enterprise into Your hands. I ask that You show me what I ought to do. Lead me Lord and guide me to do the wisest thing and give me wisdom to make the right choice. Father, my trust is in You, for all that I have is Yours and You have promised to provide all my needs, according to Your grace and riches in glory. Amen