How Jesus Blesses Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and countless learning opportunities. For those who walk by faith, it is also a spiritual journey. In a recent episode of the Anchoring Hope podcast, host David interviewed Mark Bourge, a seasoned entrepreneur and man of faith, about how Jesus blesses entrepreneurs and the spiritual lessons embedded in the entrepreneurial journey. Mark’s story offers invaluable insights into the interplay between faith, humility, and the business world.
Faith as the Foundation of Business
Faith is not just a spiritual concept; it’s the bedrock upon which successful entrepreneurial ventures are built. Mark Bourge, who co-founded Best Facility Services and ran it successfully for 20 years, emphasized the importance of trusting God’s guidance in every step of his business.
“Entrepreneurs often face moments where the path forward seems unclear,” Mark shared. “In those times, faith becomes the anchor that keeps you grounded.” He recounted how a seemingly random decision to leave a business card at a potential client’s office—prompted by the Holy Spirit—landed him his largest account ever. For him, this wasn’t just good fortune; it was divine intervention.
Faith also helps entrepreneurs persevere through rejection and failure. Mark admitted that the early years of his entrepreneurial journey were marked by financial strain and uncertainty. Yet, his unwavering belief that God had a purpose for his struggles helped him stay the course. “God has a way of using our hardships to prepare us for greater blessings,” he said.
The Blessing of Humility
One of the most profound lessons Mark learned as an entrepreneur was the importance of humility. “My first experience in business made me humble for life,” he said. He shared how a failed acquisition and the bankruptcy of his first franchise taught him that success isn’t guaranteed, no matter how hard you work or how good your intentions are.
Humility, he explained, is a blessing in disguise. It allows entrepreneurs to stay grounded and open to learning from others. Mark emphasized that while entrepreneurs are often seen as leaders, they are ultimately servants—serving their customers, employees, and communities. “We’re put here to help others,” he noted.
Humility also fosters gratitude, which Mark sees as essential for sustaining optimism and fulfillment. “Through gratitude, optimism becomes sustainable,” he said. For Mark, gratitude isn’t just a feeling; it’s an active practice of acknowledging God’s role in every success and challenge.
The Purpose of Wealth
Wealth is a tool, not an end goal. Mark stressed this point, explaining that money in itself doesn’t bring fulfillment. “At the end of the day, money is just a tool,” he said. “It can be used to change lives or to destroy them.” For Christian entrepreneurs, the focus should always be on how wealth can be used to glorify God and help others.
Mark shared a cautionary tale about making money an idol. “During a time of financial abundance, I started to lose sight of my faith,” he admitted. “God had to strip away much of that wealth to remind me where my true treasure lies.” This experience taught him that prosperity is a blessing only when it aligns with God’s purpose.
He also highlighted the joy of sharing wealth with others. From employing people to supporting charitable causes, Mark believes that wealth’s greatest value lies in its ability to make a positive impact. “The opportunities to bless others are practically boundless,” he said.
Overcoming Challenges Through Faith
Challenges are inevitable in any business journey, but for Mark, faith provided the strength to overcome them. He recalled a particularly difficult time when one of his largest clients stopped paying their bills, threatening his company’s cash flow. “I didn’t have cash to make payroll or even pay myself,” he said.
Instead of panicking, Mark approached the situation with patience and transparency. By maintaining honest communication with the client and trusting God to provide a solution, he eventually resolved the issue and preserved the relationship. “Faith doesn’t mean the absence of problems,” he explained. “It means trusting God to see you through them.”
Mark also emphasized the importance of action. “Faith without works is dead,” he said, quoting James 2:26. For entrepreneurs, this means not only praying for solutions but also taking practical steps to address challenges. “You have to follow through,” he said. “Faith is active, not passive.”
Fulfillment Over Happiness
In a culture that often equates success with happiness, Mark offered a countercultural perspective: focus on fulfillment instead. “Happiness is temporal,” he said. “Fulfillment, on the other hand, brings lasting joy.” For him, fulfillment comes from living out God’s purpose, helping others, and being a faithful steward of the blessings he’s been given.
Mark’s journey demonstrates that fulfillment often involves sacrifice and perseverance. Whether it’s deferring personal income to build a business or taking care of aging parents, the most meaningful endeavors are often the most challenging. “Fulfillment comes from putting others ahead of ourselves,” he said.
Ultimately, Mark believes that true fulfillment is rooted in faith. “The Great Commission is the ultimate business plan,” he said. “It’s about redemption, helping others, and leaving a lasting legacy of love and service.”
Conclusion
Mark Bourge’s story is a testament to how Jesus blesses entrepreneurs—not just with financial success but with lessons in humility, faith, and purpose. For those willing to surrender their plans to God and trust in His timing, the rewards are far greater than monetary gain. As Mark put it, “Yes, you can.” With faith as your foundation, the possibilities are endless.
Written by Dhan Ababa