IBAM EP58: Run the Play: Building Business on God’s Terms

“Do it scared—because God is the one who’s going to catch you.” — Jeanette Peterson

Run the Play: Building Business on God’s Terms

What happens when God calls you to leave the familiar and step into something that feels impossible?

That’s exactly what happened to Jeanette Peterson—a military veteran, homeschool mom, and now a faith-driven entrepreneur who coaches women to build Kingdom businesses.

Her story is one of surrender, systems, and courage. It shows how God can take ordinary people and equip them to disciple nations through business.

In this article, we’ll unpack Jeanette’s journey, the lessons she’s learned, and how her story can help you integrate faith and business without losing balance.

Jeanette’s Beginning: From Military Career to Unknown Territory

Jeanette spent over a decade in the military, living with structure, order, and discipline. But in the midst of her career, she faced a deeply personal struggle—infertility.

Like many believers, she turned to God—but not fully. She prayed, tracked, and tried everything in her own strength. Finally, in exhaustion, she prayed a different kind of prayer:

“God, if You want this to happen, I’m done trying. It’s Yours.”

That surrender changed everything. Within months, she was pregnant, out of the military, and moved across the country.

Suddenly, her identity as a soldier was gone. She found herself asking, “Who am I outside of the military?”

That question became the first step toward discovering her calling as an entrepreneur.

The Shift: Discovering Online Business as a Lifestyle

In Las Vegas, Jeanette stumbled into a Bible study where she met a homeschooling mom who was running a seven-figure business on YouTube.

It was the first time Jeanette realized: This lifestyle is possible.

She began learning everything—marketing, content creation, systems, and strategy. What started as curiosity became a calling.

Jeanette eventually built her own business: strategic business coaching infused with prophetic insight.

Her model? Helping women:

Hear from God about their true calling
Create systems to make business sustainable
Build with integrity and impact

Core Lesson #1: Surrender Unlocks Strategy

Jeanette’s first turning point wasn’t a business plan—it was surrender.

When she let go of control, God not only gave her a child but also redirected her entire life.

This mirrors a belief shift many Christian entrepreneurs face:

❌ “I have to hustle until I make it happen.”
✅ “God is the source; my job is obedience.”

Action Step: Ask yourself—where am I gripping too tightly? What would change if I surrendered my business to God today?

Core Lesson #2: Systems Bring Freedom

Jeanette runs her home and business with rhythms.

Dishwasher twice a day
School and work blocks scheduled weekly
Friday set aside for kids only
Outsourcing laundry and cleaning

She says, “Systems don’t limit me. They free me to do what God called me to do.”

For Christian entrepreneurs balancing family, faith, and business, this is crucial. Systems prevent burnout and create space for what matters most.

Action Step: Choose one area of chaos in your life (emails, meals, or client follow-up). Create a repeatable system this week.

Core Lesson #3: Niche Down, Multiply Impact

Like many new entrepreneurs, Jeanette wanted to help everyone. But God showed her:

“If you can solve something unique in the market, that’s where the wins are.”

Today, she primarily serves women entrepreneurs, teaching them that being “just a mom” isn’t an identity—it’s a role.

Her message: You’re first a child of God. Business is part of your calling.

This clarity not only gave her confidence but also multiplied her results.

Action Step: Define your niche. Who specifically has God called you to serve? Write it down and focus your efforts there.

Core Lesson #4: Integrity Above Everything

Jeanette shared about a client who wanted only strategy—without the inner identity work God called her to teach.

She wrestled: should she keep the client for the money or stay true to her assignment?

Her answer was integrity. She chose to stay aligned with God, even if it meant losing income.

As she put it: “If I keep her, I’m out of integrity with God.”

For entrepreneurs, this is a powerful reminder: revenue without righteousness isn’t success.

Action Step: Review your current offers. Are they aligned with God’s calling for you—or just what sells?

Core Lesson #5: Do It Scared

One of Jeanette’s most powerful lessons is summed up in three words:

Do it scared.

She says: “Do it scared—because God is the one who’s going to catch you. Not because you’re reckless, but because He’s calling you.”

That’s the difference between fear-driven risk and faith-driven obedience.

Action Step: Write down one step you’ve been afraid to take. If God is leading, commit to doing it scared this week

Jeanette’s Systems for Sanity

Jeanette balances her life through practical systems that any entrepreneur can apply:

Morning Rhythm: Kids dressed, breakfast, dishwasher, schoolwork.
Work Blocks: Mondays heavy work, Fridays no work—just kids.
Outsourcing: Paying for help with laundry and cleaning so she can focus on high-value work.
Boundaries: Protecting family rhythms while allowing God-led interruptions.

Her takeaway: you don’t need to do everything—just what God asked you to do.

Jeanette’s Encouragement to Entrepreneurs

For those considering entrepreneurship but hesitant to leap, Jeanette says:

Trust that you can hear God’s voice.
Step out even if you feel unqualified.
Don’t confuse failure with faithlessness.
Run the play every day—and leave the results to God.

Why This Matters for the Faith-Driven Impact Partner

Jeanette’s story connects to the broader mission of IBAM (International Business as Mission).

Her journey illustrates what IBAM teaches globally:

Business is a calling from God.
Systems and discipleship must go hand in hand.
Entrepreneurs can create sustainable impact, not just survival.

For donors, Jeanette’s story reinforces why $10/month matters. It equips entrepreneurs like her worldwide to not just build income—but to disciple nations through business.

Key Takeaways: