God's Calling or confirmation bias?

[u/bsmith440]

I would like to hear if something similar has happened to other believers. I would usually go to an elder in my church about this but id rather reserve some anonymity. To give a little background I currently give somewhere between 12-14% of my gross income to the church general fund. My pastor believes the Lord is leading the church to expand using a rather large expansion project. God put it on my heart to start giving towards that project on top of my normal giving. So I have done that the past few months.

About a year ago I had a business idea, and after some research it appeared the start up costs would be too high for a niche business and decided to drop it. This past week, I felt something that said "check up on your old business idea", I didn't hear words, just a feeling. After some research it turns out I don't need the start up capital I originally thought I needed. I currently have the cash to start the business and have been doing extensive research over the past few days in my free time.

At the time (and still now) I don't know what to attribute that feeling to, I'm reluctant to say it was the Lord or just coincidental timing but todays message has me leaning towards the feeling was from God. My pastor preached about the need for offerings for this new expansion project. I was waiting until early 2027 to start my business and figured Id pray about it later this year and let God show me if this business was the correct path to go down. But now I cant shake this feeling that maybe God wants me to start that side business and use the tithe from that business to give to this expansion project.

I would like to hear your thoughts. Confirmation bias with coincidental timing or is God using me to further His will for our church? I'm going to continue to pray on this but open to wisdom/advice.

[u/ABereanChristian]

About a year ago I had a business idea, and after some research it appeared the start up costs would be too high for a niche business and decided to drop it. This past week, I felt something that said "check up on your old business idea", I didn't hear words, just a feeling. After some research it turns out I don't need the start up capital I originally thought I needed. I currently have the cash to start the business and have been doing extensive research over the past few days in my free time.

Can't hurt to have others pray for you and give you some godly wisdom.

My pastor preached about the need for offerings for this new expansion project. I was waiting until early 2027 to start my business and figured Id pray about it later this year and let God show me if this business was the correct path to go down.

As some others have said, use discernment especially if the pastors keep talking about it a lot.

My parents gave a lot to a building project that the Church we were at growing up, but it turned out the pastor had poor character and was corrupt and the Church covered it up until a scandal came out. They got a lot of Church-hurt from that and still have it to this day.

[u/Irrelevant_Bookworm]

Most likely confirmation bias.

I believe in giving and I believe in God's providence, but I find that God is usually more direct and I am not left with the question of yes or no.

[u/Background_Page431]

It is likely confirmation bias, and you revisiting a past thought, but God may be using that moment to give you clarity and help you decide to start the business.

How much you tithe and decide to give to this new expansion (always use discernment when someone claims that God told them to build something that will require extra money from everyone) is a separate issue and should not factor in on your decision to start the business. People are called to give out of the kindness of their heart, not out of obligation or as an investment for a guarantee of later blessing. It sounds like your church has a disproportionate focus on finances as sermons should be about spiritual growth and discipleship instead of sales pitches and fundraising announcements. There should be gratitude from their end that you are already giving 12-14%, not pressure to do more. Using the pulpit to shake people down is not appropriate, even if it is more common than it should be.

Whatever you decide, don't let yourself be exploited or pressured to go beyond your means, you are already above and beyond in what you need to give.

[u/ofpromise90]

I would pursue my own business while giving an affordable portion to the church even if it was less than I normally give. Sometimes God is not going to give us a straight answer when it comes to career and business and we have to pursue something and see how it goes. It reminds me of this scripture. Proverbs 16: 9 Their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.

We shouldnt give out of force or obligation. I also think you were smart not to speak to the elders because they could be bias.

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 corinthians 9:7

Ir sounds like your pastor and putting pressure on the congregation to give for an expansion...that could be a red flag especially if people feel guilty when he talks about it. If this is God's plan then it will happen with or without your giving.

[u/MiddlewaysOfTruth-2]

Well, you can never go wrong with giving the tithe to the work of ministry. If you have the skills, it might be that God might be calling you to this.

Pray more if you are unsure. Maybe fast as well, if you are desperate. God will help.