Faithful vs. Willful

 

How An Egyptian Business Paid Back $20 Million
Shady Hebeish

 

In Session 3 of 6, we feature the story of Shady Hebeish, who inherited the Hebeish Group with with $20 million of debt. In this session, we dig into what faithfulness looks like amidst the tangible pressures of resourcing and running a business as a faith driven entrepreneur.

Discussion Questions

The Last Will Be First

We all want first dibs because next best can mean second rate. But in Genesis 13, we read how Abraham displayed his true character by giving the first choice to Lot. Following Jesus often requires a willingness to let others go before us. After all, Jesus did say that “the last will be first, and the first will be last.” (Matthew 20:16). 

  • Are there any areas of your business where God is calling you to serve others, and give the first choice to someone else?

Trusting in God 

This idea of faithfulness and willfulness is often one of the most difficult things in all of entrepreneurship. How can we be obedient and faithful but not yet selfish and close-fisted? It begins with trusting that God’s way is truly better.  

  • In what areas have you been impatient with God’s timing? Share with your group, and ask for prayer for patience. 

  • Have you had to let go of something you thought was  ‘good’ only to discover God’s best for you? Do you trust that God wants the very best for you? 

Managing Money

The spirit of Mammon—wealth regarded as an evil influence or false object of worship and devotion—is a stronghold in the world of business and finance today. 

  • Did this video provoke any reflections on how you can think about financial markets as a Christ follower?

  • How have you sought to be faithful in how you’ve managed money in your business? How might you have been willful?

 
 

Ideas to Explore the Mark Further

Looking for some practical ways to put this mark into action? Here are some ideas that can help you develop an even greater understanding of Faithful vs. Willful.

  • Join Faith Driven Entrepreneurs as they gather together each week for Global Prayer to faithfully seek God’s will for their business. The One Minute Pause app by John Eldredge is a great tool for practicing the art of surrender.

  • How do you know if you’re being faithful vs. willful? Today, there are several great spiritual integration resources and research that can help you understand, and also deepen your faith and motivation as an entrepreneur. Eido Research, formed by James Waters, provides research and learning services that help Christian organizations lead with faithfulness.

  • Create a strategic plan for your business that can help you set goals in alignment with the vision God has given you, and stay accountable to that. If you don’t have a template for strategic plans, download and fill out the Strategic Plan for Ministry, created by C12, a partner ministry that supports faith driven business leaders that desire to make an eternal impact.

 
 
Anna Kwee