Dependence Day | Dr. Nikeya Young x Rodney Young, Jr. | VLS Podcast Ep 87

Hey there, VLS family!

This Independence Day week, I've been thinking about a different kind of freedom - the freedom that comes from dependence on God in our businesses.

As a recovering control freak (I said what I said!), this lesson hit different for me. If you've been following my journey, you know I had to become self-reliant early in life. Losing my Mom at 14 and facing other challenges meant I had to be my own calvary.

That independence served me well in many ways, but it can also be a barrier to experiencing God's supernatural provision in business.

My husband Rodney and I just recorded a podcast episode on this topic, and I wanted to share these six powerful ways to surrender your business to God:

1. Start Your Day with Surrender Prayer

My husband has been getting up each morning, getting on his knees (yes, literally!), and saying, "Lord, I acknowledge my dependence on you." He asks for guidance on specific business issues, then writes down any ideas that come during that prayer time.

One time, during prayer, he felt strongly compelled to send an email to constituents for a nonprofit he worked with. Later, they discovered another organization was about to take credit for their work, but because of that divine timing, they got their message out first!

2. Acknowledge Your Limitations

This is HARD for me, y'all! But there's such freedom in saying, "I don't know the answer to that, but I know who does."

No matter how many degrees or certifications I have (and your girl has a few 😉), none of that outweighs one word from God. He can solve with a whisper what frustrates us to no end.

When we acknowledge our limitations, we take the pressure off ourselves and make room for God to work.

3. Shape Business Goals Around God's Direction

Instead of making goals and asking God to help with them, try starting with prayer: "God, what direction should I take this quarter?"

When you submit your planning process to God, you'll receive direction that's already in His will. There's already grace for these goals because they're His goals, not just yours.

4. Journal to See Your Blind Spots

I've been journaling for years, long before I became a life coach. When I go back and read old entries, I can spot where I ran ahead without consulting God.

It's easy to surrender the parts of business we don't like (spreadsheets and bookkeeping, anyone? 🙋🏾‍♀️), but we often forget to surrender the things we're excited about!

5. Fast When You Hit a Brick Wall

My husband shared how fasting helped him break through business roadblocks. During a fast, God often deals with character issues that are indirectly affecting your business.

When you hit a wall in business, consider a fast to clear your mind and hear God's voice more clearly.

6. Create Business Confessions

Having regular confessions that you say over your business is powerful! My husband and I learned this from Dr. Bill Winston's ministry.

Make sure your confessions are scripture-based (not just affirmations). When you speak God's Word over your business, demons have to bow!

For those interested, check out livingwd.org and look for "prayers and confessions" - they have several for business that you can customize.

BONUS: Memorize Scriptures

Try putting 2-3 scriptures on index cards and reviewing them morning, noon, and night. As my husband says, "They're like vitamins - little but potent!"

Joshua 1:8 is a great one to start with: "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."

A Midyear Reset

As we're halfway through the year, consider this your midyear reset to get your mind right. Declare from this moment forward for the rest of this year that you are depending on God!

What ways do you surrender your business to God? I'd love to hear in the comments below!

Keep living victoriously,

Dr. Nikeya