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The Estherpreneur is a weekly chat about doing business and life God’s way. Join your host, Edna Harding as she offers biblical strategies and practical applications to improve your mind, business, spirit, relationships, and finances. Listen along as she talks with guests on how to thrive in all areas of life. Edna is a Wife, Mother, Growth Strategist, Author, Minister, Certified Maxwell Business Consultant and Executive Coach, an accredited Master Mindset Coach, and Speaker whose message of hope, truth, and wisdom reaches people all around the world. FavorandWealth.com Estherpreneur.com
Edna Harding [00:00:03]:
Welcome to Estrepreneur, a podcast for entrepreneurs and leaders doing business and life God's way. Each week we discuss biblical and practical tips to improve your mind, business, spirit, relationships and finances. Listen along as I speak with special guests on how to thrive in all aspects of life. Hi, I'm Edna. Like many of you, I wear many hats. I'm a military wife, mother, author, certified John Maxwell business and executive coach, trainer and founder of Favor and wealth, where we help the good guys win. So tune in as we bring on the light. Well, hello everyone.
Edna Harding [00:00:47]:
Thank you for tuning in for another episode of the Estrepreneur podcast. My name is Edna Harding and I'm nothing but a messenger of life. Now, I do know that my audience is mixed. Some people are people who have a long lasting relationship with the Lord, have been believers for quite some time, but I also have some those who are just curious about what this business and life God's way is about. And so I just want to welcome you both. And guess what, my friends, you are in the right place. And today what I want to talk about is focus on a truth many don't want to face. But it's truly going to separate the dreamers from the destiny walkers, the wishers from the warriors, as you all know.
Edna Harding [00:01:33]:
In fact, I just had a conversation with my client today and we are living in the days of Noah where evil is no longer hiding, but they're all up in your face. And this is a time where spiritual, especially you warriors in Christ who have been believers for quite some long time, this is a time when you guard the flock and even though you're not a shepherd, you need to start shepherding. You need to start being the watchman on the wall and protect God's people and lead the loss to Christ. And I have been just on fire when I say on fire, meaning the conviction of the Holy Spirit has been on me just this past week. And how we are truly living in some dark times. And it's time for us all, hands on deck, for his sons and daughters to step into a position and be bold and declare the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and share the gospel loudly and proudly. And the reason for this is because. And this has nothing to do.
Edna Harding [00:02:46]:
Well, kind of, this has nothing to do with what's going on in the United States as far as what happened to Charlie Kirk, but it actually has a lot to do with now there's a. An electronic tattoo that has been developed that you put on your hand and there are different laws that was passed by the United nations that basically they could take over the supply chain, take over basically outside of government control, like take over, over everything, and just basically make laws and rules for the world to follow. And again, I'm not going to go around the rabbit hole, but basically the signs are here, the times are here, and it's imperative that we open up our eyes and hear what the spirit of God is saying that we. No one knows when Jesus Christ is returning. No one knows what, when, when. It's when all the. The timeline of everything. But I can tell you that the world is getting darker and darker.
Edna Harding [00:03:55]:
And so this is a time when we need to raise up a standard and truly be the light in the city, right? The light in the darkness, the city on the hill, the salt of the earth. If I'm pausing, it's because I'm just trying to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying. You know, I was going to talk about a ve today and we're still going to be talking about that, but I feel like he just wants me to emphasize this right now. Now, I don't know who you are and I don't know who's listening, but I can tell you by way of the Spirit that this is not an accident, that this is the Holy Spirit drawing you to this episode somehow, some way. I don't know how you found this, but God wants to speak to you today and he wants to meet you exactly where you are. The things that you have been chasing is not going to satisfy you. The void that you are feeling is only going to be filled by the Holy Spirit and by Jesus himself. And so I'm just going to continue on.
Edna Harding [00:04:59]:
But I just want to say to you, my friend, that it's not an accident that you are here. You are here because the Holy Spirit drew you here. And I pray that as I share so some truths about, you know, biblical strategies in the Bible, that your soul will be ignited and that your heart will be hungry for more. Okay, so today we're going to talk about commitment and not the kind of commitment that comes when there are good times. For example, like weddings and things of so. But we're talking about the kind that's proven in pressure. You know, people are committed when everything is good, but can you be committed when things are bad? So I'm just going to open up in prayer and then we'll get started. Father, we thank you for every storm, every test, every moment of adversity that you use to refine and reveal.
Edna Harding [00:05:53]:
Our hearts speak to us today, convict us when necessary and give us the grace to endure in Jesus name. Amen. Let's talk about the commitment illusion first because I think it's easy to feel committed to when things are easy. Right? How many of you have those people who say yes, but they don't really mean yes. Their yes is not their yes and their nos are not their nos. They change their minds. Right? The Bible says that a double minded mind is an abomination to the Lord. And, and this is really important I think because right now we are living in a time where there are flaky Christians.
Edna Harding [00:06:39]:
Yep, I said it. Flaky Christians, meaning we are only committed to being a Christ follower when things are easy. But when things are tough, we don't. We can't, we. We don't pass a test. Right? I want to say this, that enthusiasm is not commitment. Okay? You could be enthusiastic about something, but doesn't mean commitment. Good intentions do not equal dedication.
Edna Harding [00:07:05]:
Okay? Good intention. My heart, my heart meant well, or don't judge the thing, look at the heart or something like that. Comfort zone activity is not purpose driven pursuit. Okay? A lot of times when God tells you to do something, it's going to cost you something. There's a price to pay. And a lot of times it commands you to step out of your comfort zone. And I'm just reminded of Matthew chapter 13. I'm not going to read through all of it, but it's the parable of the sower where some seeds fall on rocky ground, but then it springs up quickly and when the sun or adversity comes, it withers.
Edna Harding [00:07:45]:
Why does it wither? It's because there's no root, right? It's not rooted in the right ground. It's based off of excitement, it's based off hype, it's based off of emotions. But the one, the seeds that fall on good grounds, the ones that are rooted, that are permeating into the ground, that, that literally the seed, the, the roots. The roots are from. The seed is like integrated. It's like, I'm seeing like integrated in the ground. Which means the, our hearts and God's words need to be so integrated that no one can pull the word of God from your heart because you believe it so much, because you trust his word, his name so much that no one can tell you otherwise. Okay? And let me tell you what fair weather commitment looks like.
Edna Harding [00:08:48]:
So this could be. You show up when it's exciting or easy, you then disappear when it's uncomfortable, right? When, when people are judging you or, or people might get hurt from what you believe. You don't say it, you just keep it to yourself, right? Or you, how about you, when you're making progress and then pressure hits and you kind of give up and you fall off the wagon, or maybe you blame the environment, or maybe you blame the economy, or maybe you blame the algorithms, or maybe you blame your social media gets stolen. That's why you stop doing what God call you to do. That's not commitment. And my friends, I'm not speaking this from a judgmental standpoint. I'm being convicted myself because there were so many times the Lord told me, get back on your post, get back, speak my word, speak my truth. On the, not just on LinkedIn but in all social media platforms.
Edna Harding [00:09:46]:
The excuses I made was, I just don't have time, God, I'm a busy person, I'm this, I'm that and that. But in reality I had to repent and ask the Lord for forgiveness because apparently this sharing God's word is more important than my business, than growing my revenues, right? He wants me to get back on my post because time is short. And so I'm not saying this from like, I'm holy and I'm, I'm better than you. I'm saying this from a position of be like, hey guys, I understand, let's get back on the horse and start riding, right? And so I want to say that this is important. We need to understand that commitment isn't just excitement or enthusiasm or good intentions. You know, we start off right, look at the heart, but it's actually activity. What and what adversity reveals is your, the truth about your commitment for that thing that God told you to do. Because adversity is actually not your punishment, it's actually your revealer.
Edna Harding [00:11:00]:
It exposes what you're truly willing to sacrifice. It exposes how deep your why actually is. It exposes whether your commitment is conditional or covenant based, right? Are you doing it because it's easy or comfortable or you doing it because you made a covenant to the Lord? So for example, if we told God that you're going to be tithing, if you told God you're going to be giving a certain amount or whatever to fund whatever and you all of a sudden don't do it because the conditions, your natural conditions isn't allowing you. So I mean, yeah, there obviously you have to be a good steward. You only give what you have. But at the same time, there are times in life where it's gonna, he's gonna ask you to do Something out of faith, right? It's not always like that. So don't get my. My words twisted.
Edna Harding [00:11:58]:
There are times in life where God's gonna tell you to do something. And there are times in life when the enemy is going to manipulate you. To tell you is a difference. And the key is understanding that you. It's a hit. Thank you, Holy Spirit. Like, what do you want me to say? It's a hitter. Some.
Edna Harding [00:12:17]:
If you get it wrong, let's say it wasn't God and maybe it was the enemy who manipulated you. Use witchcraft or use control or message or emotions that made you contribute to something that was not of God. Learn from it, move on. Right? Learn from it, move on. But there are also times because I. It's like for me, I'm just going to speak from my own journey because, you know, because I got scammed so many times in finances that all of a sudden I became stingy. Like, I became close fit, close fist. Fist that I didn't want to give anymore.
Edna Harding [00:12:50]:
And I just, like, I was scared to give because I didn't want to get taken advantage of. And over the past year, the Lord has been teaching me again to be generous and how to give and be led by Him. And just. This is not in my nose, but I feel like he wants me to go here. It's like, how do you know if he's telling you to fund something? First and foremost, you. You hear a still voice in your. In your spirit. Like, you hear an amount or you hear the Holy Spirit.
Edna Harding [00:13:25]:
You never give out of pressure, you never give out of emotions. You always give out of peace, out of a knowing. And the good thing about God is let's say thank you, Holy Spirit. Do not let anybody manipulate saying like, no, don't leave without giving today or blah, blah, blah, blah. Like, don't do that. Just be led by the Spirit of God. And let's say, if you're not sure, just don't give. And wait.
Edna Harding [00:13:52]:
Wait till 24 hours, 48 hours, and ask the Holy Spirit randomly. Like, sometimes I ask in the shower, sometimes I ask, like, if I'm cleaning. Sometimes I ask if I'm like washing the dishes. Like, if I don't want to be manipulated. I ask in the most inconvenient time so that I know it's the Holy Spirit speaking and not my emotions, flesh or the enemy. Does that make sense? So I don't know who that was for, but that is what he wants you to do, is that he wants you to trust him in the midst of crisis. When things are hard, when things are challenging and you're not able to. To keep your covenant or keep your promises to God, you need to ask the Lord.
Edna Harding [00:14:35]:
Okay, do you want me to act in faith right now, or do I need to guard like, like you just gotta ask direction, right? So what, what, what I'm saying here is it's kind of like, and this is for you guys who are still developing that, that ability to hear from God. It's kind of like, you know, you're. When you first get married to a spouse, like, you don't know who know them, know them until you've been with them for a very long time. And especially if you're like newly married, like six years, five years, four years, you know, even, even as you're, you've known each other for a while, like, you're still learning the com. The messages, you're still learning the communication, right? You're still learning what they expect, what they want. That's kind of like the same thing. It's like you're still learning to hear his voice. And, and it's okay for you to mess up.
Edna Harding [00:15:23]:
The key is obedience, right? If in your mind you felt like you were obeying the voice of God, he can't fault you for that because in your mind you really thought it was God. Okay? So, but how do you strengthen that muscle, right? That muscle to hear God, to trust God, to have faith in God when things are really hard. And it comes down to your foundation, and your foundation must be built on a rock or it could be built on sand. And I can tell you if all the Tony time you are, you're hearing the word of God is at, on Sundays at church or five minutes a day, you're not building your, your house upon a rock, you're building it on sand. Okay? And we really need to. And yeah, I'm. I'm asking you to do hard things. And I, I speak to myself too.
Edna Harding [00:16:12]:
Like, we can't make God like an afterthought. He has to be our number one priority. He has to be like, like everything we seek and want and need and more before anything else. And yes, there will be setbacks. Yes, there will be delays, yes, there will be detours. It will probably be inconvenient. But the key is if you want to hear his voice and not make a mistake and really know his voice for Himself, you need to make sure that you prioritize building that foundation, which is his word, the rock, right? Hearing his word, hearing his truth, praying, asking, seeking, his face about everything. Okay, now I like, I want to talk about the three levels of testing.
Edna Harding [00:17:01]:
The first thing we talked about was inconvenience is a lot of times he's going to tell you to do something, right? He's going to tell you to do something that, that you're. No, your, your. That is not inconvenient, that is not convenient, right? And so are you going to obey him, right? Because in spite of those challenges, the second thing is investment, right? Investment finances. That's a big test, right? What adversity. When adversity comes, are you still going to give? Are you still going to sow when it's painful, are you still going to sacrifice other opportunities for his kingdom's sake? And this is hard, especially for me, because I tend to be, and I say this humbly, I tend to be a very generous giver to the point where I don't prioritize my family or my own well being and things like that. And I prioritize the kingdom of God. And to some, that might sound noble, but it's also not godly because the Bible says that we have to take care of our children and our children's children, right? He commands the righteous to take care of his family. Excuse me, guys, but so there is a, a balance to that.
Edna Harding [00:18:16]:
And the, the key to this, right, is really being led by the spirit of God. Okay? And again, how do, how do you perfect that? It comes to hearing him, it comes to developing a relationship with him, right? Knowing his voice, knowing his character, knowing what he wants, knowing what he likes, knowing what he hates, you know, what, who his, who he is like, person wise, right? That will help you discern, right? Is this the right. Is this him telling me to give or is this my flesh or emotions and things of sort? And the third thing, the third level of testing is identities. The first one is inconvenience. The second one is investment. The third is identity. You know, when others question your decision or say, are you still doing that business? Are you still doing that activity? Or are you still doing your podcast? Or are you still like, even though, even though it seems like the fruits are not showing, are you still going to be committed to what God told you to do? Right? Until he tells you otherwise, right? So these are three levels of testing that the enemy comes in. Remember, there's nothing new under the sun, okay? He tests you when it comes to your treasure, your finances, testes you when it comes to, you know, your time.
Edna Harding [00:19:33]:
And he tests you when it comes to your, who you are. Your identity. Do you know who you are in Christ now? The, the, the when. Thank you, Holy Spirit. You know, when God called me to pivot from corporate consulting to mentoring Kingdom entrepreneurs, there were the three levels that I was tested was number one, inconvenience. So I had to learn all new systems, tech and audience needs, right? I had to change my belief systems and change my thinking to cater to those people who can't afford me. And that was hard because I had to be that person who couldn't afford things. And it was a really painful price, honestly, and it sucked.
Edna Harding [00:20:25]:
But I'm glad I went through it because it helped me build something incredible for Kingdom entrepreneurs who don't have the funds, right? Who, who are very limited with their budgets. And it helped me build something that lasts. Okay? So I was said, it was tested my inconvenience and I was still committed to the cause. The second thing was investment because I lost high paying clients that don't align with the mission, right? They, they don't want to. So the Holy Spirit told me to focus on soul work. And not a lot of high paying ticket clients don't always want to focus on soul work. They want to focus on revenue, they want to focus on reach, they want to focus on impact. And so my finances was affected obviously.
Edna Harding [00:21:11]:
And and then the third thing was people thought I lost my mind. Or like what? So you're gonna stop helping the rich folks and you're gonna start helping the poor folks? And from a business model that's not really a good idea. But the point is, what ended up happening was because of those three levels of testing. And I passed those tests, it pleased God. I built a very incredible, holistic, comprehensive program. And now that I have this program built, the systems built to help struggling entrepreneurs, now I'm back helping the high ticket clients. But I had to work on the other assignment, right? And he now I can do both. Okay? But the point is there are different seasons in our lives where we have to be obedient and follow God regardless of what's going on in our circumstances and our external environments.
Edna Harding [00:22:00]:
And a lot of times that adversity is really going to test your. And there's different types of levels of adversity, right? But it's really going to test how committed you are to your assignment. Right? And so through all these three things that I mentioned, my calling became clearer and stronger. That was both called to the rich and the poor, just like Jesus was called to the rich and the poor. But why? Because the Kingdom Gospel needs to Be heard by both sides. Right? I always share this analogy and I think it's really going to help you. I remember before I realized that for the world, for the world, they prospered financially, but their soul didn't. Then you have the church who prospered soul wise, but they're financially didn't.
Edna Harding [00:22:56]:
And that was the heart. That's what the bridge that the Lord wanted me to, to build was to teach people how to prosper in the soul and externally in the world system. So in the systems of the world to the point that, that the world is envious of the, of, of the church. Right? And so that was a, a beautiful mission, but that was a hard mission and I paid a hefty price for it. And I'm glad I followed God, but it wasn't easy. Right? But one thing I found about found out is that adversity was not a curse. It was actually a gift. Okay? And I want you to look at that.
Edna Harding [00:23:37]:
You know, if you're facing adversity right now, it's actually a gift. And let me tell you why. Because number one, it clarifies your priorities. You find out what really matters. You stop chasing what doesn't serve your assignment anymore. You build what blessings can't. Because pressure builds resilience. Silence builds trust.
Edna Harding [00:24:01]:
Right? Like even though I don't hear or see the fruits of my labor, I am trusting that God will, will be the one to produce the outcome. The lack builds creativity and stewardship. I learned to create, create something from nothing and steward the limited resources well. And I was able to do this, help my clients do the same, especially if they don't have the budget. It also forms an unshakable foundation, meaning the commitment for me, tested in fire becomes untouchable to the point where I'm unshakable in the, in the midst of crisis. I stopped folding under pressure because I've already proven that I won't. Right? Because I've experienced so many hardships and challenges in my life while building the vision that God put in my spirit. You know, job 1315 says, though he slay me, yet I will trust him.
Edna Harding [00:24:58]:
Job's commitment was rooted in trust, not outcome. And I want to ask you this question. Is your commitment rooted in trust or is it rooted in what you see, the outcome, the fruits of your labor. Okay. Because let's get honest, okay? What you're willing to sow shows your trust in him. Especially if it hurts. Especially when it hurts. Right? Some of you might not have time, but you're sewing I'm sorry, some of you might not have money, but you're sowing time, right? You're so you're investing years and hours and months and whatever in learning the things to help you be the best in your trade, right? It still hurts.
Edna Harding [00:25:47]:
If you don't have money, you have to sew time, right? That's the bottom line. Number two, persistence. How many no's will you we endure before you abandon your yes? Right? No matter how many no's you get, no matter how many people are not embracing your. Your product or service, are you still going for it? Are you still trying keep knocking on doors because eventually someone's going to say yes. And then you have the identity test. Are you willing to be misunderstood for the mission? Right? Are you willing to. To be laughed at, to be ridiculed for people to think that you have no idea what you're talking about before you be like, okay, I'm calling it quits. I'm no longer going to be doing this, okay? So I want you right now to identify your current biggest commitment.
Edna Harding [00:26:40]:
What is that? What are you committed to that God told you to do? Okay? And I want you to write down the adversities you're currently facing right now. What are the giants in the land? Okay? As you're holding on and building that promise, and I want you to ask yourself this honest question. Are you pressing forward or are you looking for the exit? Because if you're wavering, if you're calling it quits because times are hard, I want God. I want you to ask God, and I'm asking you, Lord, to remind them of their true why. Why is it that you're doing what you're doing? For me, it's very easy. It's because I'm supposed to finance the kingdom of God and I'm supposed to finance the gospel, right? I'm supposed to help people draw the lost sheep from the marketplace, meaning the people who know God but have been strayed away and followed the ways of the world. That is my why. What is your why? Okay.
Edna Harding [00:27:49]:
What is your why? Okay? And I just want to challenge you guys this week, okay? Because this week I want you to really think about the adversity that you're facing right now. And I'm asking you, as a sister in Christ, don't avoid it. Don't curse the task, and ask the Lord, what are you revealing to me right now? Because all the pressures you're facing, all the challenges you're facing, the trials, is basically asking you, is your commitment to God's assignment, real, real commitment doesn't run from storms. It actually walks through them as you hold God's hands. Okay? And this is important, my friends, okay? This is so important because adversity doesn't create your character. It actually reveals your character. Right? They say that if you really want to know someone's character, put them in the, like the worst scenario and that will reveal their character. Okay? And, and I just want to, I want to share something also because I just really believe that there are people listening to this episode who are not believers, who don't know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Edna Harding [00:29:08]:
I want, and I want to speak to you right now, those of you who've been listening and feeling a tug not just to, towards your business or your calling, but towards something deeper. Cuz maybe adversity right now that you're, you're going through hasn't just exposed your commitment to a goal, but it actually is exposing your distance from God. Let me tell you, my friends, that Jesus doesn't just want to help you build your business. He actually wants to build you. And that is something that, it's a tough pill for people to swallow. He doesn't care about your pocket, he cares about your soul. And that starts with a relationship. Okay? That starts with a relationship.
Edna Harding [00:29:54]:
So if you've never made Jesus the Lord of your life, or maybe you did once, but you know, you've drifted, I invite you today to just pray the simple prayer with me. Okay? You guys ready? So to say it out loud wherever you are. Lord Jesus, I surrender. I believe you died for my sins and rose again today. I invite you to my heart. Be my Lord, my Savior and my foundation. Forgive me, lead me, transform me. I am yours.
Edna Harding [00:30:37]:
Thank you for dying on the cross and rising again on the third day for my sake, in Jesus name, Amen. Now if you pray that prayer and it's your first time or it's been a long time. Welcome to the family of God. And welcome back to the family of God. I promise you heaven is rejoicing and so am I. And if that is you, I just want you to Message me on LinkedIn or message me on my website. Whether it's estrepreneur or favor and wealth and just message me new life so we can celebrate with you. And I wanted to send you some resources and walk this journey together with you.
Edna Harding [00:31:19]:
All right? And then for those of you guys who, who already have a relationship with the Lord are in the thick of things. And you and you know that this adversity that you're facing has really challenged you. I just want to say a quick prayer for you too, okay? All right, Lord, I just thank you, Father, for your testing that refines an adversity that aligns your people. Help us, Lord, to embrace the trials, to trust your timing and remain committed, not just inconvenience, but in covenant with you. Lord Jesus, we ask for your strength. We ask for your grace. We ask for your mercy and for your freedom, Lord, to reign in spite of our environments. We thank you, Lord God, for the Holy Spirit, who is our guide, who is our helper, and who will lead us in the way we should go.
Edna Harding [00:32:13]:
We thank you, Lord, that you're a good father. And we ask this in Jesus name. Amen. All right, friends. Well, I hope this blessed you. I know I kind of went all over the place, but I truly felt like there's someone listening who needed to hear whatever I mentioned earlier that that is relating to the character of God, the plans of God and the timing of God for their lives. God bless you guys, and I'll talk to you guys soon. Take care.
Edna Harding [00:32:43]:
Bye. Bye. Thanks for joining us this week on estrepreneur. Make sure to Visit our website favorandwealth.com for more information on our services. While you're at it, if you found value in this show, we'd appreciate a rating on itunes. Or if you simply tell a friend about the show, that would help me out, too. Also, check out my book, the ugly side of sales, available on Amazon, where I share seven of my secrets on how to win and grow business the right way. Until next time, keep shining.