“So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth”

I’m working with a number of companies who are are obtaining their next round of capital funding to support their business growth.  It’s a funny thing because regardless of the stage, the pattern is much the same.  The company/entrepreneur/founder/CEO puts together a story of the company, sometimes shorter or sometimes longer, then reaches to his/her network of investors who begin to set up meetings.  Then there is a dating thing that happens while waiting to see if someone falls in love with the company.  Once they do then the company tries to get others to fall in love with better terms, finally, hopefully, ending up with the best terms for the company and ones that the new investor feels like they got a bargain. What neither side knows at that time, like the beginning of any relationship, is how well it will go, but on the day of an executed term sheet and wired money, it all about a hopeful and optimistic good future.  How do we make the best decision about capital input, we certainly must do our homework an reference check, etc.  but at the end of the day, we make the decision like we do in many cases, based on how we “feel” about the new people who will be making the investment.  Yes, once again, it comes down to a set of shared values and principles that make us feel like the best capital input is occurring. 

As believers we see out all types of input in our lives.  We look for prayer, encouragement, fellowship, support, etc. We gather in small accountability groups to keep us on course and provide advice and counsel that is beyond that we might receive from those who don’t share our same beliefs.  Yet, at the end of the day, there is one place where we must lean, listen and learn, and that is for the voice of God.  Of course, God shows up with words from other believers and from the pulpit, but we also have to do our own listening and only we can read God’s word for ourselves and we have to enter into prayer with Him individually, if we want to hear His voice for us. Each and every day we are needing and seeking input for our growth.  Let’s today not forget that that growth comes from Him and what He has and will give us.

Reference:  1 Corinthians 3:7