116 | Biblical Business Building: Anchored Ambition (2 Thes. Bible Study and Devotional)

Find the full episode here >>> LivingOnPurposeInChrist.com/blog

We unveil why Paul’s short letter still speaks to entrepreneurs, parents, and leaders who want their work to honor Christ without burning out. Find a surprising antidote to modern anxiety: a steady mix of truth, resilient faith, and purposeful work that holds when the headlines shout and your calendar overflows. 

We unpack the confusion that rattled the Thessalonian church—rumors about the day of the Lord, fear, and paralysis—and show how Paul answers with clarity rather than panic. You’ll hear how standing firm and holding fast to Scripture cuts through conspiracy and noise, why endurance in suffering is a sign of God’s work and not failure, and what it looks like to treat your work as an offering. We get practical about balancing holy rest with honest labor, resisting idleness masked as spirituality, and turning everyday tasks into sacred ground where integrity, service, and peace can take root.

By the end, you’ll have a framework for spiritual resilience: focus on Christ when the world distracts, stay rooted in the Word when fear rises, and work diligently from assurance rather than for approval. We also share simple tools to refresh your devotional life and invite you into a warm community for ongoing encouragement and resources. If the world feels unsteady, let truth, purpose, and the peace of Christ steady your steps. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs calm and clarity, and leave a review to help others find the show.

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Episode Transcript

Paula Behrens (00:00):
Have you ever felt like the world has just
gone off balance?
Maybe you're working hard togrow your business, managing a
home that seems to needattention 24-7, and trying to
keep your spiritual footingwhile everything around you
feels a little unstable.
You love God, you want yourwork to honor Him, but between
client calls, familycommitments, and the constant

(00:22):
pressure to do more, your faithcan sometimes feel like it's,
well, running on fumes.
If that sounds familiar, you'rein good company, and not just
with modern day believers.
The first century Christiansknew that feeling as well.
They were a young, passionatechurch living in uncertain
times, facing persecution andconfusion about the future.

(00:45):
They loved Jesus deeply, butthey were tired, overwhelmed,
and even a little shaken by allthe noise around them.
Sound familiar?
The Apostle Paul's second letterto the Thessalonians is short,
only three chapters, but it'spower-packed with encouragement,
correction, and reminders thatGod is still in control, even

(01:05):
when the world feels unsteady.
This letter is like a deepbreath for the weary believer,
the entrepreneur who'squestioning her purpose, the dad
who's running his business fromthe computer screen, and the
parents who are wondering ifthey are doing enough for God.
Paul's words remind us thatstaying faithful isn't about

(01:25):
frantic striving, it's aboutsteady trust.
So pour yourself a fresh cup ofcoffee, maybe diffuse a little
peppermint or rosemary to wakeyour mind and take a few slow
breaths.
Keep listening because I'mgoing to tell you how you can
claim your free printablejournal for improving memory and
brain function.
But first, funny story.

(01:45):
When I first began my seminarywork while serving two church
congregations full-time,everyone assumed I had my daily
devotional time perfectlyorganized.
But truth be told, there weremornings I could barely find
five minutes to catch my breath,let alone dive into deep
reflection.
One day, as I rushed out thedoor with mismatched shoes, I

(02:06):
realized that even in my chaos,there was a lesson.
Embracing God's grace andself-forgiveness, I realized
that true success in mydevotional life requires
prioritizing my spiritualpractices.
Are you finding it challengingto maintain your spiritual
practices or yearning for a morepeaceful, God-aligned day?

(02:27):
I'm Paula, and I've been theretoo.
Balancing spiritual habits witha busy life can be difficult.
I longed for a deeperconnection with God but
struggled with consistency.
Then I found the perfectapproach.
If you seek simple ways todeepen your connection with God,
this podcast is for you.
Please take a moment to followthe show, leave a review, and

(02:49):
share with your friends who needa little biblical encouragement
today.
Friend, have you ever sat downwith your Bible, a cup of tea,
and high hopes for a quietmoment with the Lord, only to
find your mind racing with to-dolists, your spirit distracted,
or your heart dry?
I remember a season when myspiritual life felt more like a
checklist than a connection.
I had a book of prayers, aseminary degree, and even my

(03:12):
favorite kneeling rail in myoffice.
But truthfully, I was justgoing through the motions at
that time.
I was hungry for more, morepeace, more presence, more of
God.
I was showing up with all theright tools, but none of the
soul satisfying stillness Icraved.
My time with God becamesomething I did, not something I
delighted in.
Then the Lord gently remindedme, He never asked me for

(03:35):
polished prayers or perfectdiscipline.
He just wanted my presence.
And from that moment on, Ibegan creating a space to simply
be with him.
I built a new rhythm, one thatwas deeply rooted in grace,
filled with scripture, andsupported by the soothing
presence of his creation thathelped me slow down and breathe
in deeply.
That sacred rhythm is what Inow share in the Aroma of Christ

(03:59):
coaching hour.
Whether you're spirituallyweary, stuck in a routine, or
longing for a fresh encounterwith the Holy Spirit, this hour
is your invitation to beginagain with grace.
Before our coaching call, you'llreceive an essential oil
sampler to use during our onlinesession to enhance this fun
spiritual journey.
Together, we'll craft apractice that helps you feel

(04:20):
grounded, nourished, and deeplyconnected to God, mind, body,
and spirit.
You don't have to keep tryingto figure it out all on your
own.
There's a simple way to grow infaith and draw near to God, and
I'd be honored to help you findit.
Let's breathe in his peace.
Let's rediscover his presence.
Let's begin again together.
Book your Aroma of ChristCoaching Hour at

(04:42):
PaulaBehrens.com/coaching.
That's Paula Behrens B E H R EN S .com/coaching (no spaces).
All right, it's time to getstarted.
Grab your Bible, dust off yourjournal and cozy up to your
favorite beverage and let's divein.
Let's start with a littlecontext.

(05:02):
The first letter Paul wrote tothe Thessalonians was warm and
encouraging, a gentle reminderto keep growing in faith and to
stay hopeful about Christ'sreturn.
But just a few months later,Paul had to write again.
Rumors had spread that the dayof the Lord had already
happened, and some believerswere panicking.
Others, convinced that Jesuswas coming back any minute,

(05:25):
stopped working altogether.
Imagine that.
Some of the early Christianswere so sure the world was
ending that they quit their jobsand just waited around.
Paul loved these people deeply,and his second letter addressed
that confusion with compassionand clarity.
He wanted them to know that,yes, Jesus is coming again, but

(05:46):
no, he hasn't returned yet.
And until he does, we're calledto keep living faithfully right
where we are.
That's a message that stillhits home today because whether
you're building a business,leading a team, or managing your
household, it's easy to slipinto one of two extremes,
striving too hard and burningout, or giving up because you're

(06:08):
tired of waiting for God tomove.
Paul's letter reminds us thatGod's timeline is perfect, and
in the waiting, we have holywork to do.
Chapter 1 of 2 Thessaloniansopens with Paul thanking God for
the believers' growing faithand love.
That's encouraging, right?
But he also acknowledges thatthey're suffering, really

(06:32):
suffering for their faith.
They were dealing withpersecution and opposition, not
unlike the challenges many of usface today when we try to live
out our beliefs in a culturethat often pushes God aside.
Paul's words here are deeplycomforting.
He tells them that theirendurance is evidence of God's

(06:53):
work in them.
It's not a sign of failure,it's a sign of faith.
God's justice may not comeimmediately, but it's coming.
And in the meantime, the trialswe face become a refining fire
that shapes our character anddeepens our dependence on Him.
If you've ever faced criticismor rejection because of your

(07:15):
faith, or if you've experiencedsetback that made you question
whether God was payingattention, this chapter reminds
you that he sees every detail.
He knows the long nights, thequiet tears, and the prayers
you've whispered over yourbusiness, your family, or your
calling.
None of it was wasted.
God is using it all to prepareyou for greater things.

(07:39):
By chapter two, Paul gets to theheart of the confusion about
the false teachings theThessalonians had heard, that
the day of the Lord had alreadyhappened.
The believers in this newchurch were very much unsettled.
Some were anxious, others wereparalyzed with fear, and a few
just gave up altogether.
Paul steps in like a steadyvoice of truth.

(08:01):
He reminds them that beforeChrist returns, certain events
will take place, the rise ofrebellion, the revelation of the
"man of lawlessness," and aseason of deception.
But he doesn't focus on thefear.
Instead, he calls them to staygrounded in truth.
He points them back to God'spromises and reassures them that

(08:22):
believers who belong to Christare secure.
This is such an importantreminder for us today.
In a world full of sensationalheadlines, conspiracy theories,
and endless noise, it's easy toget caught up in fear or
distraction.
Paul's message cuts through allof that.
Focus on Christ.

(08:42):
Stay rooted in the Word.
Don't let fear drive yourdecisions.
Let faith guide them.
And isn't that exactly what weneed as Christian entrepreneurs
and leaders?
The business world can beunpredictable, algorithms
change, clients come and go,finances fluctuate, and
sometimes you feel like theground beneath your feet is

(09:04):
shifting.
But God's truth is steady.
When everything else feelsuncertain, his promises hold
firm.
Paul's words in chapter 2 buildto a powerful encouragement.
So then, brothers and sisters,stand firm and hold fast to the
teachings we passed on to you (2Thessalonians 2.15).

(09:26):
Stand firm, hold fast.
Those aren't passive phrases,they're active calls to
spiritual resilience to staysteady when life shakes you.
Standing firm doesn't meanpretending everything is fine.
It means choosing to believethat God is faithful even when
you can't see what he's doing.
It's showing up in your work,in your relationships, in your

(09:50):
quiet time and saying, Lord, Itrust you.
It's keeping your businessrooted in integrity, even when
shortcuts might look tempting.
It's serving your clients,customers, or co-workers as
though you're serving JesusHimself.
Paul closes this section with aprayer that's just as relevant

(10:11):
today as it was then.
He writes, May our Lord JesusChrist Himself and God our
Father encourage your hearts andstrengthen you in every good
deed and word, 2 Thessalonianschapter 2, verses 16 through 17.
That's the kind of strength weall need, the kind that doesn't

(10:32):
come from hustling harder ormanaging perfectly, but from
resting in the steadyencouragement of Christ.
By the time we reach chapter 3,Paul is addressing another
practical issue, idleness.
Some believers, convinced thatJesus' return was imminent, had
stopped working altogether.
They weren't contributing, theywere coasting.

(10:54):
Paul doesn't mince words here.
He reminds them of the examplehe set while he was with them,
working hard, earning his keep,and serving faithfully.
He says, in essence, don't useGod's promises as an excuse to
check out.
Faith isn't a license forlaziness, it's a call to
diligent, purpose-filled living.

(11:14):
Paul tells them plainly, ifyou're able to work, work.
If you're capable of serving,serve, and do it all as unto the
Lord.
For us today, this hits rightat the heart of the tension
between hustle culture and holyrest.
As Christian entrepreneurs, wedon't work for approval, we work

(11:34):
for assurance.
We don't grind to earn worth,we labor out of gratitude.
The difference is huge.
When you see your business,your creative work, or your
household responsibilities as anoffering to God, everything
shifts.
The mundane becomes meaningful,the stressful becomes sacred,

(11:55):
and suddenly you're not justrunning a business, you're
building a ministry.
Paul wraps up his letter with atone of peace and encouragement,
saying, Now may the Lord ofpeace himself give you peace at
all times and in every way (2Thessalonians 3.16).
What a beautiful promise forthose of us navigating busy

(12:16):
schedules and uncertain seasons.
Peace doesn't come from havingeverything figured out, it comes
from walking daily with the onewho does.
If there's one big takeawayfrom a 2 Thessalonians, it's
this the world may shake, butyour purpose does not.
Paul's second letter is a callto endurance, to hold tight to

(12:39):
faith, truth, and hard work,even when life feels unstable.
It's about keeping your focuson Christ, not the chaos around
you.
It's about showing up every dayin your God-given calling,
knowing that your work, youremails, your sales calls, your
parenting, your ministry mattersto God.

(13:00):
And maybe most importantly,it's a reminder that peace isn't
the absence of problems, it'sthe presence of Christ in the
middle of them.
So if your heart's been wearyor your spirit stretched thin,
take courage.
God hasn't forgotten you, He'sshaping you, steadying you, and
strengthening you right whereyou are.

(13:22):
So stay faithful, keep showingup, and live ready.
Because the same God whoencouraged the Thessalonians
through Paul's words isencouraging you today to stand
firm, work diligently, and trustdeeply.
Before we wrap up, I want toinvite you to keep this
conversation going in a placewhere faith and friendship meet

(13:43):
real life.
If today's message spoke toyour heart, if you're craving
more peace, purpose, andpractical encouragement as you
live out your faith, I'd lovefor you to come hang out with us
in our private Facebookcommunity, Biblical
Encouragement and DevotionalRhythms with Essential Oils.
It's a warm, grace-filled spacewhere listeners just like you

(14:04):
are learning to keep Christat the center of their homes,
hearts, and even theirworkspaces.
We share devotionals, prayersupport, essential oil tips for
focus and calm, and monthlyresources to help you stay
anchored in God's Word whilecaring for your mind and body.
And when you join, you can snagthis month's free download, a

(14:24):
beautiful devotional journal andseven-day challenge called
"Awaken to Aroma, ScentScripture and Brain Health."
It's a powerful way to reconnectyour faith, focus, and
well-being through God's wordand the gift of scent he
designed for us to enjoy.
So come on over todevotiondrops.com, which will
take you right to the group.

(14:45):
I can't wait to see you there,to pray with you, laugh with
you, and walk this journey offaith-filled living together.
Because, friend, you don't haveto do it all alone.
And God never meant for you to.
See you in the group.
Thank you for tuning in today.
And remember, just like settingbiblical boundaries, it's okay

(15:05):
to say no to things that don'tserve you well, like that third
piece of cake at the churchpotluck.
If you are blessed by thisepisode, be sure to share it
with a friend and leave a reviewso that we can reach even more
listeners like you.
Check the show notes for allthe links.
Join us next week as wecontinue to discover how to live
with purpose in Christ.

(15:25):
Until then, keep leaninginto Him and walking in His wisdom.
See you next time.