In need of a biblical perspective

[mom21angel]

This may be strange to some, but I am really seeking God's direction on wether or not to do a jewelry business at all. Without Him, it won't work. Do any of you ladies have "God" stories about how you knew it was His will that you started your jewelry business?
I think I have my mind made up, for Jewels by Park Lane, which is a christian family owned business. I like that aspect but I am so seeking to know God's will.

[sue311]

I have been with a lot of companies and I never thought to pray about them. I just have always started and then asked God to bless them. I was losing money, not getting shows, etc. So much was going wrong and then I decided to stop everything and quit the companies I was in and ask God to direct me. It took almost a year and how it happened was I bought some pieces through a catalog show for myself. Whenever I wore them someone ordered the jewelry I was wearing....the pieces never came together until one day it hit me, this was what I needed to do.

I remember when someone called me to do a party. I had never met her but she saw a catalog and she was emailing me constantly asking questions. That first party was almost $1,000 and it was my first ever party. The other thing is I love doing events and I would travel to do them and of course, wasnt making any money. I realize that I wasnt asking God's guidance regarding these shows so I stopped doing them.

I am not saying everything is peachy , which is when I do things without praying about it, but as long as I listen to God I do very well at shows/events whether it be sales or bookings.

The bible says when it comes from God, no sorrow is attached. I am having fun and making money in my business and it all because I listen to God.

"Trust in the Lord and lean not unto your own understanding".

[francescafinejewelry]

Originally Posted by mom21angel

This may be strange to some, but I am really seeking God's direction on wether or not to do a jewelry business at all. Without Him, it won't work. Do any of you ladies have "God" stories about how you knew it was His will that you started your jewelry business?
I think I have my mind made up, for Jewels by Park Lane, which is a christian family owned business. I like that aspect but I am so seeking to know God's will.

No one knows what God's will is for you. You should pray about it until you get an answer.

[gajewelrylady]

I'm absolutely certain that my lia sophia business is part of God's plan for me and has been from the beginning. I was working full time as a church secretary and had no intention of leaving that career, but I did want to make some extra money. I didn't want another boss to be in control of my time....working at a church is rewarding, but it's not low-stress....so I prayed that God would show me something I could do on my own terms. Within a very short time I saw an ad for Lady Remington Jewelry in a magazine, did a little research and spent an hour on the phone with the woman who is now my mentor and manager, and ordered my starter kit without ever attending a party or seeing a piece of jewelry in person.

Since then God closed the door on my job as a church secretary and led me to work my business full time. Throughout the past 8 years there have been numerous occasions where I was able to minister and even share my faith and I've met many women I would never had known except for lia sophia. It hasn't been perfect and I've questioned whether this is still my call from the Lord, but He always confirms that I'm in the right place.

I have no doubt that God can and will use a direct sales business in His plans and I believe there are some good Christian people working in many companies. I have to honest, however, and say that I am immediately suspicious of any company that promotes their business as "Christian-owned". Unfortunately that is not always a guarantee of good business practices and there needs to be fruit (proof) to support those claims. I'm not bashing JBPL, just cautioning you to do your homework on any company you are considering.

[liz.jewels]

I don't have a God story about my business, but I suppose you could see his divine hand at work if you follow my story.

Apparently, I live in an area with lots of Silpada Designs reps, and I attend and host lots of home parties, but I'd never met a rep or heard of Silpada. I was sent on a business trip to Arizona. My boss was supposed to come with me but didn't at the last minute. While there, a Silpada rep was selling jewelry from a table in the office lobby. I stopped by and loved the jewelry, so she gave me a catalog. I LOVED the full collection and felt that I should become a rep. Did God place her in my path? I don't know! But there she was.

At the same time, I was reading a religious marriage book, which led me to a conversation with my husband where I pointed out that he was clearly miserable at his job and I wanted him to feel free to quit if it would make him happy. That was clearly God's work, as I prayed quite a bit about that conversation both before and after.

I started my business in May of 2010, and my husband finally decided to call it quits at his miserable job in March of 2011. He has been staying home with our kids, which has been great for our family, and my Silpada business has helped fill in some (but not all!) of the gaps between his income that we lost and the expenses (gas, childcare, taxes) that went along with it. I feel like God's plan was for him to be happy and have this time with our children, and my Silpada business was part of that plan, because it gives us a way to ensure we are able to cover our expenses.

I also have been asked twice to do fundraisers that were very meaningful, and feel like it may be part of his plan for me to be able to use this as a tool for doing good for others. I've donated over $1200 this year from my two fundraisers and it has been wonderful. Losing my husband's income took away some of my ability to give generously, and this has been a way to get it back.

I don't think it matters what business you do, whether it is promoted as being Christian-owned, or the like. I think what matters is that God's plan includes a business for you, and you feel that the company has integrity, and the product and business opportunity is one that you feel like you can be honest in promoting to others.

Others have given great suggestions - pray about it, research it, and ask God to lead you to the path he has chosen for you. Blessings as you make your decision!

[mom21angel]

Thanks Ladies. I love hearing stories. I am continuing to pray about it and trying not to keep researching for hours, because that's just clouding my vision! I appreciate the insight and I hope all your businesses continue to glorify God.

[Just Jewerly By Courtney]

Greetings!
I am a Senior Consultant for Just Jewelry. Just Jewelry is a Christian Based Business! We have business opportunities for women and men who want to set their own hours and inspire others to achive their dreams while fulfilling their own.

[KristenB]

You're doing the right thing by praying about it mom21angel, some may call it meditate, focus, divine guidance etc. It doesn't matter if the company is "faith based" or not, what matters is that is a company with high integrity and quality product and a business plan that will allow you to make the money you envision.

Research is key! It will not cloud your mind it is how business is done. You must know as mush as humanly possible about a company to make an intelligent decision and when you do find something you might be a good fit, then pray to ask if it is a fit for you! The universe works in mysterious ways, and like some said here just because something says it is Christian based, and I'm a Christian, does not mean it is good....I was a rep with JBPL......it was not a good for me. I believe there are a few quite other great companies here, as represented by all the ladies that posted.

I would chat with all the reps, call the companies, ask customers etc. You will find there are so many great companies it will be hard to find the best one for you!!

Good luck and enjoy your search