Purpose that Prevails

By: Dan Trevino

Proverbs 19:21

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

About a year ago, our company received a disappointing answer from a major customer that did not want to move forward with our products despite strong market test results. We had all been very hopeful that our big deal was imminent after several years of investment, planning, and execution. Obviously it wasn’t our time.

We promptly regrouped and focused our attention on pursuing other significant opportunities that had been in development, the most promising of which concerned a large overseas retailer. The project is progressing well with enthusiastic support from our customer and has real potential to springboard into other large contracts abroad. This possibly would not have occurred had we received an affirmative answer from our former U.S. based customer.

Despite our continued optimism for the future, the difficult economic times are pressing our company to make further adjustments. These actions have required our staff to work harder and more efficiently as well as learn new skills for our expanding job responsibilities. We’ve had to quickly learn about foreign laws and customs and to make changes in our processes to accommodate inventory demands. 

As these events unfold, particularly during the many challenging days, I find myself expectantly asking the Lord to reveal what he has in store for us. I’m thankful for the business no matter where it may come from, but I marvel that the chances for success could be much greater in foreign countries than in our own native land. The many doors we knocked on and tried to pry open - the ones we thought were the right fit - were not the ones the Lord had selected for us. These amazing events have once again given us the confidence to realize that God always has greater wisdom and whatever happens will be for his glory.

TAKE THE CHALLENGE: Do I seek the Lord’s counsel before making significant decisions?