Stop Trying Harder. Start Believing Differently

Stop Trying Harder. Start Believing Differently.

A conversation with Steve & Wendy Backlund of Igniting Hope Ministries

Most kingdom entrepreneurs I know aren't lazy. They're working hard, praying hard, and still sensing there's a ceiling they can't seem to break through.

Steve and Wendy Backlund have spent decades helping leaders identify what's actually underneath that ceiling — and it's rarely strategy or effort.

It's belief.

The Hope Test

Steve shared a quote that reframed everything for our Academy cohort:

"Every area of your life that doesn't glisten with hope means you're believing a lie."

That's confronting. But it's also freeing — because it means the ceiling isn't fixed. It's a belief system. And belief systems can change.

According to Steve, hope isn't just a feeling. It's the evidence that you're renewing your mind with truth. When hope decreases, it's a sign you're agreeing with a lie somewhere — even unconsciously.

What You Prepare For Is What You Have Faith For

Wendy shared a story about dreading a difficult confrontation with someone in their church. As she was vacuuming beforehand, she caught herself wishing she'd get sick just to cancel the meeting.

God's response stopped her: "If that's your faith for the meeting, I don't want you to go."

Not permission to cancel — but a reset. Because whatever outcome you're mentally preparing for is what you're actually in faith for.

That applies to your next sales call, your next team conversation, your next development deal.

What are you preparing for?

The Question That Changes Everything

Steve and Wendy keep returning to one question whenever hope feels thin:

"What do I need to believe to have hope for this?"

Not more information. Not more effort. A different belief.

They shared the story of a young intern who couldn't lead atheists to faith — until he changed one belief. He started declaring: "God always shows up when I'm around an atheist." Within months, he led thirteen teenagers to Christ in a UK park in a single afternoon.

Same person. Same gifts. Different belief.

Building for His Glory

Steve and Wendy started Igniting Hope Ministries writing their first book out of a garage. Today they're impacting leaders across the nations.

Their testimony isn't about strategy. It's about dedication:

"God, we're doing this for your glory."

Seek first His kingdom. Mix in commitment and integrity. And refuse to trust any belief that doesn't have hope attached to it.

That's the formula — and it's available to every kingdom entrepreneur willing to do the inner work.

Listen to the Full Episode

🎧 Stop Trying Harder. Start Believing Differently — with Steve & Wendy Backlund

Steve and Wendy are also joining us live via Zoom at the Cairns Business Refresh, July 2–4 2026.

👉 Register HERE - https://saltlightwealth.com/cairns-business-refresh