Called, Then Equipped: Trusting God Through Setbacks and Setups
"The mind of a person plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." – Proverbs 16:9 (NASB 2020)
In 2022, I thought I knew my path. My plan was to mentor and grow a team of personal trainers for 2BEpic Fitness and Nutrition LLC. I had the vision, the strategy, and the drive to make it work. But three years later, I stand in a completely different place—one that I never saw coming but one that God had ordained all along.
Through a six-figure setback and the heartbreak of misplaced trust, I faced what seemed like an impossible road ahead. I had invested time, energy, and faith in people who didn’t have my best interests at heart. It felt like everything was falling apart. But as I look back, I now see that what I thought was a breakdown was actually a setup.
God was leading me to something greater—something that aligned with who He created me to be. He directed my path to Surge University and the world of real estate investing, a space that not only equips me to build wealth but also allows me to create partnerships that serve the greater good. What once felt like a painful detour was actually divine redirection.
God reminded me that He had already given me the gifts to lead, build teams, and empower others—not just in fitness, but in every area of life. I had been trying to operate in lack, striving in my own strength, but now I am operating in full alignment with God’s plan. Every setback, every challenge, and every heartbreak led me to this moment.
Faith Like a Mustard Seed
"And He said to them, ‘Because of your meager faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.’” – Matthew 17:20 (NASB 2020)
I carry an actual mustard seed given to me by someone who was once in my life. That tiny seed serves as a reminder that faith doesn’t have to be big—it just has to be present. Even when we doubt, even when we struggle to see the next step, God simply asks us to have a little faith. That’s all He needs to move mountains.
Today, I want to encourage you: no matter how hopeless things may seem, God is setting you up for something greater. It may not be on your timeline. It may not look the way you envisioned it. But God is never late. He is always working behind the scenes, orchestrating every step.
Not Everyone Can Go With You
There’s something else I’ve learned along the way—not everyone is meant to go where God is taking you. If people start migrating out of your life naturally, trust that it’s part of the process. Some may come back later, but during this season of growth, God is protecting your journey.
God is the author of our stories. The question is: Will you give Him the pen?
My second question is, will you CONTINUE to give Him the pen, ESPECIALLY when what He is writing doesn't make sense? I hope so.
Hand Your Business Over to God
As entrepreneurs, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the weight of responsibility. We stress about our success, our failures, and the uncertainty of what’s ahead. But God never asked us to do this alone. He asks us to trust Him, to surrender our plans, and to let Him lead.
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." – Philippians 4:13 (NASB 2020)
If you feel like an imposter, if you feel unequipped, if you feel like the mountain is too big to climb—know that God already knew this before you were born. He knew your struggles. He knew your doubts. He knew you would have to suffer before stepping into your purpose.
The beauty of this journey is that we are called before we are equipped. So if you feel unqualified, you're exactly where you're supposed to be. Because it’s in our weakness that God’s strength is made perfect. You couldn't have told me any of this a few years ago. I would not have believed any of this would come to pass. However, I am now living it.
I had to finally just relinquish control. I am one of the most stubborn people I know. It took a lot of lessons, hardships, and setbacks to get me to finally let go. However, the more I have let go, the more God can now take me where He wants me to go.
So today, I ask you: Will you follow?
If God is leading you to shift, trust Him. If He is calling you to something greater, obey Him. If He is telling you to keep going, don’t give up.
Because He makes no mistakes.
Let’s keep going. Never give up.
With faith and purpose,
Jodi "Lady J" Watkins
