I believe it was 1977 and, as I was in my little ‘sanctuary’ in the basement of our rented home in North Lansing, I heard the Lord say to me, “Start a painting business.”

I was before the Lord yesterday thanking Him for all that He has done in and through my life as the outcome of these four words. I think of all the people, the projects, the events, all the relationships–in particular the one with my mentor, the late Jim Russell, and I just have to say along with the Psalmist,

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad” (Psalm 126:3).

Who would have ever imagined? A man as I was–weak-willed, immature, indecisive, certainly no entrepreneur, with no knowledge or understanding of business, and who did not like to paint–God having me start a painting business!

It just goes to show that God has a plan for each life. That He knows what He is doing. That He accepts us the way we are, but is committed to making us into what He wants. It demonstrates the power of His word. Just four words changed the entire course of my life and my family.

By it He has provided, not only for me and mine, but for 100’s of employees, as well as being able to contribute to missionaries, churches, strategic thrusts of the Holy Spirit, orphans, prisoners, sex-trafficked women, abstinence programs…..why, we even paid for a page in Maoz Israel’s new Hebrew Bible, and 9 square feet in Vision for Israel’s Millennium Center in Jerusalem! He has, through my business and as a result of these four words, provided many thousands of dollars in support of the Jewish people—to whom we owe our material things (Romans 15:27).

The point of it is this: one word from God can change everything. It can alter the entire course of your life and serve to be a blessing, not only to you and your family, but to countless others beyond you. In my case it was four words, and it has.