Risk, Trust, and the Messy Path to Growth: Themes for 2025

As we step into 2025, it's clear that this year carries unique challenges and opportunities. Through prayer, reflection, and conversations with business leaders worldwide, several key themes have emerged. These themes are deeply rooted in scripture, anchored in practical actions, and demonstrated by real-life stories. Let’s explore these together.

Listen to the podcast here: Heaveninbusiness.com/podcasts/heaven-in-business-podcast/episodes/2148955900

1. Risk and Trust: Taking the First Step - get your feet wet!

Story: For me, this meant committing to a sabbatical for the first time in my life. Not a weekend away or a couple days out of a week. This is at least six weeks where I won't be doing advisory calls or blogs or podcasts... or earning income! Logically, it seemed impossible (if not absurd), especially financially. But once we committed, God provided miraculously, including an unexpected $20,000 'reimbursement' for a $550 flight to visit a client. Stepping into the unknown activated God’s provision in ways I couldn’t have imagined. But the key was I had to commit / obey first. 

Scripture: "Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: 'When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river.'" (Joshua 3:8)

Note that it was absurd to cross the Jordan at this time of the year. The river was OVERFLOWING in flood. Yet it was only when they put their feet fully in the water that God acted. They had to be first, fully committed. 

Key Action: Take the first step, even if you’re uncertain. Faith grows when you move forward in trust.

What step is God asking you to take this year? Trust Him and move forward.

2. Embrace the Messy

Story: When I worked on a 200-head dairy cow farm in New Zealand, the barn was constantly messy, but it was a testament to the productivity of the cows. Similarly, working with people and navigating life’s complexities is messy, but it’s a sign of being actively engaged in the harvest. This year, Janine and I have committed to a Restoring the Foundations course and working with an executive coach to better navigate the mess of leaders and leadership! Mess is not something to avoid, it is part of the evidence of life! 

Scripture: "Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox." (Proverbs 14:4)

Key Action: Lean into the mess. Don’t shy away from the challenges; embrace them as a sign of growth.

What mess in your life signals growth? Tackle it with courage and faith. Where could you get some assistance in the cleanup?

3. Disconnect Value from Effort

Story: When we released our latest book, Listen Up! Hearing God at Work I was confident it was our best work to date. We used all the lessons from the four previous books in writing, editing, endorsements and marketing. Yet, its immediate impact didn’t match my expectations. However, at the same time, God provided abundantly in other unexpected areas, reminding me that my provision, worth, value and reward isn’t tied to performance but to my identity in Him. God is my source, not my effort. This means I can diligently work / effort in abundance or scarcity and none of it moves me. What if God is about to pour millions through our hands? How would the disconnection of reward from my own effort help me to steward great resource?

Scripture: "The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord." (Proverbs 21:31)

Key Action: Anchor your value in God, not in your achievements.

Are you measuring your value by outcomes? Shift your perspective and trust God with the results.

4. Beyond Faith: Developing Endurance

Story: Last year, we stepped out in faith in obedience to direction we were sensing from the Holy Spirit. We expected quick wins only to face unexpected delays and disappointing obstacles. It was a tough financial year with a move across state, regular clients being hit by their own challenges and stopping payment and the increase in travel events that requires more cost up front. We had multiple people we knew or worked personally with go through traumatic experiences. These trials tested our faith. Yet, as we persevered, God worked in us, building strength and resilience. Endurance comes as faith is tested (delay and different outcomes). In these moments, diligently stay the faith course, while continuing to check assumptions, listen to wise counsel, and trusting God’s timing.

Scripture: "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 1:3-4)

Key Action: Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow your endurance.

What trials are you facing? View them as opportunities for God to strengthen your endurance.

Moving Forward in 2025

This year’s themes—risk and trust, embracing the messy, disconnecting value from effort, and developing endurance—are invitations to live boldly and faithfully. They challenge us to act, grow, and trust God in new ways.

Surround yourself with community. Find people who will walk with you, challenge you, and encourage you. If you’re looking for a global faith-driven business community, consider joining the Heaven in Business community for weekly inspiration and connection.

Let’s step into 2025 together, anchored in scripture, taking bold action, and trusting God through every mess and challenge. Share this with someone who needs encouragement, and let’s make this a year of breakthrough and harvest.