When I first embarked on the journey of marketplace intercession and prophetic ministry to business leaders, I was introduced to a CEO of a large company who had a deep passion for prayer and conducting business God’s way. To protect his identity and dignity, let’s call him Bartholomew, or Bart for short. I’ll also change some product names and details for privacy.
Note to the reader: As ministers of reconciliation, it’s crucial to understand that we are all on a journey to maturity, where God matures us so that He can entrust us with greater responsibility and authority.
Bart’s journey began as a pastor of a thriving, rapidly growing church in Texas. However, the crisis of success was too much for him and he found himself buckling under the pressure. He faced burnout and workaholism, leading to misplaced priorities, which in turn created a perfect storm that ultimately lead to him being unfaithful to his wife. In the process of the fallout and eventual restoration process, Bart resigned from his pastoral role and handed his church to a trusted friend and mentor. Seeking another means to provide for his family, he started a temporary place holder side gig cookie company. It was a long hard road of changing his habits and belief systems. But God showed up in the process and healed his heart.
Over several years, the Lord restored Bart’s family, and his “side gig” cookie company blossomed into a very successful brand. Through his healing process he discovered that he was really anointed for business. This is where I entered into his story. His company had been thriving for several years, but he wanted everything he did to be anchored in relationship with God and to reflect the culture of heaven. Bart invited Michelle and I to become his company’s prophetic intercessory team. Over time, we built relational equity and authority within his company. We had many stories of God’s favor and leadership through prayer and following Holy Spirit’s leadings. We navigated new and expanding buildings, staff and process growth. It was fun and exciting to walk with them as we co-labored with them in prayer and hearing God’s voice together.
After a season of remarkable partnership of praying with and for Bart, the Lord gave us a prophetic picture of him adding one simple ingredient to his cookie recipe. It seemed off the wall, out of left field and somewhat obvious to me, but it was something Bart had considered several times but never felt it was the right time to implement. When I shared the idea with him, he felt it was a confirmation and decided to proceed with it. He had put it off because it required his company to collaborate with another larger company that he felt was a huge task filled with talks and negotiations that previously felt gargantuan. However, now armed with a confirming prophetic word, Bart felt the unction and confidence to activate what he had already heard from the Lord. We where merely a confirming boost of confidence and boldness for him. This is one of the key roles of a Marketplace Intercessory team- to confirm and to add strength and confidence to the word of the Lord for CEOs and their teams.
One of our key scripture we were praying for Bart, his company and team was; James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” I know this because since the very beginning of this journey with the Lord, when we begin partnering with Marketplace Leaders in prophetic intercession- He has also invited us to track and record every prophetic word with a date stamp as well as any key dynamics, so that we can remember what was happening and how God spoke.
Shortly after receiving our prophetic prayer report and inspiration from the Holy Spirit, Bart launched a new product line. very rapidly, this product line spread across his service region and beyond in record speed. When we gave this word, Bart wasn’t in a dire situation; he wasn’t behind the eight ball or stuck. He was not in a breakthrough moment. He simply wanted to lead his company from the Father’s heart. Through prayer, God gave us something simple yet profound, enabling Bart to elevate his company to an income level he had previously considered a pipe dream.
I believe this is one of the keys the Lord taught us through this situation. A lot of times we wait until we are in desperate situations and in need of a supernatural breakthrough before we seek the Lord for strategy. One of the secrets the Lord shared with us is that is acceptable and even a divine invitation to seek the Lord for what He is doing now and next. Throughout this process, over the years we have learned that Holy Spirit wants to speak- if we will slow down enough to listen- Abba Father is the wisest, richest, business strategists in the universe. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” We have found this to be true. The Triune Godhead is so passionate about releasing revelation to us that promotes human thriving- They love to love- They are relational- They overflow with the abundant desire to give to us the Children of God- Image bearers blessing and favor with God and with man.
One of the other lessons here is: do not worry about things being too simple or obvious when the Lord places something in your heart. Just speak it out. The worst thing that can happen is you looking of feeling that you didn’t hear correctly from God, which is far better than not trying to hear from Him at all. If you miss it, you missed it. But you missed it trying to to hear and follow the Spirit. I can think of far worst failures than that.
The Spirit of the living God is a revealer of mysteries. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10: “However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’—the things God has prepared for those who love him—these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.” God’s way of being is good. He cannot be anything else. To do so would contradict His character and nature. This would make Him out to be a liar.
In light of this story I would like to pray and prophetically impart over you what Holy Spirit taught us though this process. Whether, you are in a time of need of a supernatural breakthrough – Or, you are seeking the Lord for the next strategy of where or how to lead your company. I encourage you to go and read II Corinthians chapter 2 – slowly and out loud. Then pray this over your company.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your wisdom and guidance in every season. We declare that we will listen to Your voice, no matter how simple and obvious or profound and impactful Your instructions may seem. Empower us to act on Your guidance. I trust You Lord Jesus. You are the CEO of this company I know that You have great plans for us and our endeavors. Now, Lord, what is on your mind for my company. How can I participate with your heart. Where are you leading me. Speak Lord, your servant, friend and lover is listening.
Now wait, listen, and write down what you hear or sense. Oh, yeah, and it would not hurt to have a team of intercessors praying with and for your company.
If you would like more information about CoReign and how we might be able to serve you and your Kingdom Marketplace Company, please visit: https://coreign.org/
Or, you can email me directly at: [email protected]
