The Anchored Entrepreneur

Reviewing 2024 and Looking Towards 2025

What God is Teaching Me: Embracing the Present with an Eye on the Future

As 2024 winds down, I’ve been reflecting on some of the lessons God is teaching me, truths that hit me right where I’ve been stuck.

I realize how often I rely too much on myself, holding tightly to the reins of my business instead of remembering: God is the true owner of my work. This realization is both humbling and freeing.

Another thing God has shown me is how much time I waste waiting for the “perfect moment” to obey.

• "I’ll start that habit when I’ve hit a certain milestone."

• "Once I get through this busy season, then I’ll focus on what matters most."

The problem? That perfect moment never comes. I stay stuck in the same patterns.

God is challenging me to be honest about where I am right now and be fully present in the here and now while still looking ahead. It’s about embracing the tension of reality today and hope for the future.

This reflects our life as Christians. The work of Christ is finished, but we are still waiting for His return. We live in the tension of hope and recognition, we are part of something that is both complete and not yet done. We look to the future with anticipation while continuing the work God has placed before us in the present.

Reflecting on 2024

Take time to pause and evaluate:

• What did this year teach you?

• What wins can you celebrate?

• What challenges prevented your growth?

Preparing for 2025

Think ahead:

• Where do you want to go?

• What needs to continue and what needs to change?
  Are there habits or small changes you can start now that align with the vision God has for your life and business? What’s one thing you can do today to begin making that future a reality?

Encouragement from Scripture

As we reflect on the trials and challenges we face, whether as entrepreneurs or in life in general, these verses have been a source of strength for me:

James 1:2-4
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Romans 5:3-5
"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."

Habakkuk 3:17-18
"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."

In life, we all go through hardships, and as entrepreneurs, we often face unique trials that others may not fully understand. These seasons of suffering can feel isolating and overwhelming, but I want to encourage you: God uses even the most difficult circumstances to refine and grow us.

It doesn’t mean the pain is any less real, but because of my hope in Jesus, I’ve found strength in knowing:

• God has ultimately won the victory.

• There will come a day when all suffering will cease.

• Even the most painful moments I’ve endured can be used for a good purpose.

This perspective doesn’t remove the challenges, but it does provide endurance and a reason to persevere. God is with us, even in the valleys, and He is shaping us into people who are mature, complete, and full of hope.

A Resource I Found Encouraging

I recently listened to a podcast from the Faith Driven Entrepreneur. It’s been a source of encouragement and practical wisdom for me.

This podcast reminded me of the reality of spiritual warfare. We are in a constant battle, and it has convicted me of the importance of preparing for it. I’ve realized how much more intentional I need to be in creating habits of daily prayer, putting on the armor of God, and wielding the sword of the Spirit, God’s Word, as my weapon against Satan.

Coming Soon

I’m actively working on new resources for The Anchored Entrepreneur, including:

• A comprehensive section on Milestones and Goal Setting

• Videos to accompany the previous sections

• Downloadable PDFs for the exercises

In the meantime, you can still explore our existing sections on Vision, Mission, and Focus to get started.

Lastly, if you’re looking to 2025 with some apprehension and need help making the progress you desire, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d be happy to connect and see how I can best serve you.

May you be Anchored in Christ,
Jacob Dyke