Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 303 – A great cloud of witnesses

A recurring theme in these devotions is this simple assurance: you are not alone. 

Each week, these reflections are meant as a small reminder that I see you. Think of them as a love letter, a pat on the back, a note of encouragement for those of you faithfully running businesses and organisations.

Last week we spoke about the presence of God in your business or organisation. Today I would like to speak about another source of encouragement: the great cloud of witnesses that surrounds us.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.” – Hebrews 12:1

This great comfort came as I was praying in the chapel at Star of the North, preparing for my next business trip and wrestling with the usual mix of logistics and responsibilities. In that quiet moment I was struck by an overwhelming sense of the great cloud of witnesses walking with me and you. So I stopped my preparation to write this devotional.

And what a cloud it is. It includes witnesses in heaven and on earth, reminding us how thin the veil can is between the two. Some of them are saints who have gone before us. Some are mentors and friends whose faith still shapes our lives.

“If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” –  1 Corinthians 12:26–27

And some of them are you, my dear friends who labour in business, in ReGen.Global, and in many other initiatives seeking to bless the world.

If you sometimes feel as though you are working on your own, I understand that feeling. Many leaders experience it.

But feelings are not always reality.

The reality is this: God is with you, and the whole Body of Christ stands with you. Seen and unseen, past and present, the people of God form a vast company of encouragement.

“Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” – Hebrews 10:24–25

Run your race faithfully this week. The Lord walks beside you, and a great cloud of witnesses cheers you on.

You are not alone.

Prayer

Lord,
Thank You for the great cloud of witnesses who have run the race before us and those that continue to run with us.  Give us perseverance to run our own race faithfully in the places You have called us to serve.

Amen