This guide is intended for personal reflection and to help facilitate a meaningful group discussion. Take a moment to watch the video and read over the guide before your group meeting. Be prepared with some personal examples to help encourage discussion. If helpful, before you meet, print out or email a copy of this guide to all those who will attend the meeting.

What happens when standing strong means changing course? When do we let go of something good for something better? Change isn’t always sudden. And we can find ourselves in a valley for a prolonged season. This in-between is the tough part and it’s easy to lose confidence. If we’re surrounded by people we can count on—a group of peers and trusted allies—we can draw strength and support from them.

We have a tendency to focus exclusively on mountain-top moments. And who wouldn’t want to experience only success and prosperity? And yet, it is in the valleys where we are replenished and nourished.

• The only way to the top of another mountain is traveling through a valley. When was the last time you failed? 

• What did you learn? 

• How did the experience make you stronger, wiser, and determined to succeed?

When things get tough, we tend to believe that God has abandoned us. And we lie to ourselves thinking that we’re on our own. This couldn’t be further from the truth because Scripture tells us that God never leaves us.

• How has your faithfulness made it possible for you to endure difficulty and disaster? 

• How has God shown his presence to you? 

• How have people played a part in supporting you and serving as the hands and feet of Christ? 

There’s no limit to the ways you can explore the Marks of a Faith Driven Entrepreneur. What we provide below are five ideas we think might lead each one of us to an even greater understanding of our God-given call to create.

1. Journal: Write down what your next faithful step will be. How can you face the unknown with confidence, not in yourself but in God?

2. Interact: This month, take the time to face your fears of failure. Pray unceasingly. Ask God for his help and guidance rather than relying on your own strength. How can you embrace your faith in a God who loves you and wants the very best for you?

3. Consider: During today’s video session, Jessica said that business plans are important. A clear vision is important. But no matter how much we try to close that gap between the known and the unknown, eventually we will need to take the leap. It will require faith every time, no matter how big of a jump it is. Are you ready? What’s holding you back?

4. Act Differently: Try your best to work from a place of courage this month. This boldness comes from your faith in God and everything you believe him to be.

5. Learn From Others: Visit faithdrivenentrepreneur.org to learn more or join the conversation by listening to our weekly Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast.

Entrepreneurs can travel a lonely road. But you’re not alone. You’re sitting next to a group of like-minded business owners right now. One of the best ways to grow the Faith Driven Movement is to multiply your group.

Is someone in your group ready to raise his or her hand to start a Faith Driven Entrepreneur Group at a local church? Apply at faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/lead-a-group