Just because there is a seat at certain tables doesn’t mean it’s meant for you or that those already seated are for you.
In speaking with an entrepreneur recently inside his place of business, an in-depth conversation ensued over a challenging part of owning a small business: praying for discernment about whom to trust.
The gentleman started a small business in a small town. He described how oppressive it can feel when conglomerates, entrenched interests, downtown machines, and generational families direct the narrative, the funds, and the publicity — advantages he doesn’t have.
Worse, he explained, is when they appear to be borrowing buzzwords, copying ideas, or making apparent shifts that resemble your vision.
“It can be exhausting and aggravating,” he told me. “You realize who is for you, who is envious of you, and who wishes they could copy what you have, but even in their attempt, they miss the mark.”
“The mark?” I asked.
“My calling isn’t to compete with them. It’s to faithfully steward this space for the people who walk through our doors. They cannot copy what God has imprinted for us, like a fingerprint, nor can I copy what God has planned for them. My calling is my calling, and theirs is theirs. This authenticity sets us apart, and should be celebrated, but far too often it is perceived as a threat rather than a thread that joins us together.”
I couldn’t help but think about how what he shared applies to many relevant topics beyond business, from race and religion to politics and people.
Some people desire your failure rather than your fruitfulness.
Other people don’t think much about you until your efforts agitate their status quo.
Most of the time, however, their bristling has little to do with you. They don’t know you well enough for a valid opinion. If you weren’t a threat, they might even like you. Their position is often built on a tilted table that reveals their insecurity, fear of change, or need for control.
The devil loves distraction and paranoia and is well-versed in fearmongering.
Such distractions can bring high anxiety and stifle momentum, but trust can redirect it. First, trust in the Lord. If our mission is ultimately to honor God, we must be intentional about what we choose to dwell upon.
I’m not saying we should discount reality; instead, we should strive to live more within an eternal view. Do you really think any person’s opinion will be able to diminish God’s opinion of you or restrict His purpose for your life?
It is safe to say that some people are meant to remind us of where and who we don’t wish to be (or need to be). Other people will remind us of the good that is still around us. As such, we should be thankful for the whole lot, as we are in the mix as well.
Focus on the blessings and be one of them for others.
Focus on God’s protection and provision.
Focus on the next person that comes before you and love them as Jesus does.
Dwell upon what delights the Lord, where your loyalty truly resides.
“Most people who build with purpose for the Lord will encounter resistance. The fact that you’re feeling the heat means the work you are doing matters,” I told the gentleman.
“I hear you, I really do,” the gentleman said. “I’m working daily to get out of my head and keep my hands busy. I know my budget is small, but God is not. I know the opposition is as loud as it is sneaky and manipulative, but I’m not after their favor. God’s favor is enough.”
He paused, looking tired but also at peace. “I just have to remind myself of that at times,” he said. “I’m trying my best to live in God’s will, trusting Him to give me what I need to defeat any Goliath or to shield me from an army of Goliaths.”
I left the gentleman feeling encouraged, reflecting on how our conversation applied to my life and so many others.
It was a good reminder to focus on the fruit I’m producing in the field God has blessed me with.
I also realized I needed to be more intentional with starting each day in prayer and scripture, as making it a hit-or-miss habit makes the entire day hit-or-miss.
Secondly, I need to limit social media scrolling and some people’s access to me, as it can easily become tainted emotional fuel.
Third, I need to do gratitude check-ins throughout the day, thanking God for the simple to the sensational ways He provides, loves, and makes His presence known.
I pray this week that we guard our focus, anchor our hearts in the Lord, and seek discernment and peace that renews itself, blessing upon blessing, grace upon grace.
After all, our seat is at the Lord’s table, and we are to be a welcoming presence that reflects the love of Christ. His table is long enough for all of us.
This column was initially published by CherryRoad Media. For more inspirational articles, follow ©Tiffany Kaye Chartier.
