“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will act” (Psalm 37:5).

Editor’s note: Read more about our Lent 2024 theme, “‘Not My Will, but Yours’: Surrendering to the Father During Lent,” here.

As Lent beckons, Catholic businesswomen are presented with a sacred invitation to delve deeper into their spiritual journey by embracing the profound concept of surrendering to God’s will. In the midst of professional endeavors, it’s all too easy to be ensnared by the pressures of decision-making and control. However, the Lenten season extends an opportunity to relinquish our desires and align our heart with divine purpose.

Drawing inspiration from Sacred Scripture, we are reminded of the transformative power of surrender. Psalm 37:5 encapsulates the essence of entrusting our path to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and unwavering faithfulness in guiding our steps.

Let me share the story of Maria, a successful entrepreneur faced with a pivotal decision in her business. Maria had meticulously planned every aspect of her company’s expansion, pouring countless hours into strategic meetings and financial projections. However, despite her best efforts, she found herself at a crossroads, uncertain of the right path forward.

In moments of quiet reflection during Lent, Maria felt a stirring within her soul—a gentle nudge to surrender her plans to God’s will. Initially resistant, Maria grappled with the discomfort of relinquishing control. Yet, as she surrendered her fears and insecurities, she experienced a profound sense of peace washing over her.

With renewed clarity and trust in God’s providence, Maria embarked on a journey of faith-infused decision-making. Rather than relying solely on her intellect and expertise, she sought divine guidance through prayer and discernment. As she surrendered her ambitions to God’s will, Maria witnessed unexpected doors opening and divine orchestrations unfolding before her eyes.

Through the lens of Maria’s story, we glean invaluable insights into the transformative power of surrender. When we surrender to God’s will, we discover unparalleled freedom, purpose, and fulfillment—both in the realm of business and the sacred journey of faith.

In the context of our entrepreneurial endeavors, surrendering to God’s will during Lent encompasses a journey marked by intentional practices:

1. Discerning Prayerfully

Set aside sacred moments for prayer and reflection, inviting God’s presence to illuminate your path amid the complexities of business decisions. Embrace silence and stillness, allowing the voice of the Holy Spirit to permeate your soul with divine wisdom and discernment.

2. Embracing Vulnerability

Embrace vulnerability by relinquishing the illusion of control and surrendering your outcomes to God’s providence. Trust in His divine timing and omnipotent grace, knowing that His plans far surpass our limited understanding.

3. Cultivating Detachment

Cultivate a spirit of detachment from worldly success and temporal pursuits. Shift your gaze from fleeting achievements to eternal treasures, finding solace in the assurance that true fulfillment lies in serving God’s purpose above all else.

4. Exemplifying Virtuous Leadership

Lead with humility, integrity, and compassion, embodying the virtues of Christ in every facet of your leadership journey. Foster a culture of inclusivity and authenticity, where employees and colleagues are nurtured in an environment rooted in love and grace.

5. Practicing Gratitude

Cultivate a heart of gratitude amid the ebbs and flows of entrepreneurship, recognizing each moment as a divine gift. Embrace both successes and setbacks as opportunities for growth and refinement, rejoicing in the steadfast presence of God amid life’s myriad blessings.

As we traverse the Lenten season, may we wholeheartedly embrace the transformative power of surrender, entrusting our paths to the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father. In surrendering to God’s will, we discover unparalleled freedom, purpose, and fulfillment—both in the realm of business and the sacred journey of faith.

May our hearts echo the timeless prayer of surrender, “Not my will but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42), as we navigate the intricacies of life and business with unwavering trust in God’s unfailing love. In surrendering to His will, we discover the essence of divine guidance—a beacon of light illuminating our path toward eternal fulfillment and joy.

Dr. Glory Enyinnaya is a management consultant who founded the consulting firm, Kleos Advisory. Her work has appeared in top-tier publications such as the Harvard Business Review. Glory recently received her Ph.D. in Management and her hobbies include blogging at www.gloryenyinnaya.com. She is an academic and a member of the faculty of Pan-Atlantic University in Nigeria. Her journey as a Catholic began with her conversion in 2009 (providentially, it was the Year of St. Paul—arguably Christianity’s most famous convert). Even though she entered the church under St. Paul’s patronage, it’s Our Lady who has had the strongest influence on Glory, beginning with her choice of "Mary"’ as her baptismal name. Today, Glory is consecrated to Mary according to the de Montfort Way and serves as an official of the Legion of Mary in the Archdiocese of Lagos. She is a cooperator of Opus Dei and an Associate of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus.