Entrepreneurship, Overwhelm, and the Power of Consistency in Stewardship

Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with highs and lows, moments of clarity and moments of chaos. When I began this journey officially in 2017, it was due to necessity. Doors weren't opening, so I opened my own door. This is how many of us begin. We start with passion and vision, only to be met with unexpected challenges, lack of support, and seasons of doubt. If this resonates with you, I want to encourage you today—God has called you for a purpose, and He will sustain you through it. What I learned is that entrepreneurship, just like health, isn't a linear journey. It's a journey of highs and lows that we just hope gets better over time. This hope is what keeps us going when others would have quit. Keep reading if this sounds familiar. 

One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that more people are focused on their own agendas than supporting others. This isn't necessarily a negative thing; it's human nature. But when the support we expected disappears, we are faced with a powerful realization—God is calling us to rely on Him, not people. When people step back, He steps in. This was my journey in 2024 like never before and continues as I continue. 

The Importance of Stewardship in Business

The world tells us that success comes through hustle, long hours, and non-stop grinding. But as I have grown in faith and entrepreneurship, I’ve come to realize that this is not God’s way. I first discovered the Kingdom Driven Entrepreneur movement in 2019 when I stumbled across the Kingdom Driven Entrepreneur podcast by Shae Bynes. At the time, my business was falling apart, and I was searching for answers. Through that podcast, I found guidance that changed my approach to business forever. I must share that it didn't make business easier. Even through today, I am having to let go of things I thought I would be including forever. However, God is showing me that I can include these things - the knowledge and wisdom I have gained over time through experience and education - without relying on them solely. He helped me devise the coaching programs I have now. This was not Jodi's doing and I cannot take credit for any of it. Jodi wanted to hold on to all the certifications she earned along the way. Jodi didn't understand why certain things weren't working out. Jodi was her own worst enemy. Nevertheless, this was the starting point for me to begin shifting things around. 

In her book Grace Over Grind, Shae Bynes reminds us:

"The truth is that God is concerned about your business and your work. He wants you to have good success—not just financial success, but holistic success that impacts every area of your life."
(Bynes, 2018, p. 25)

That was a revelation for me. My success wasn’t about how hard I could push myself but about how well I could steward what God had given me. He didn’t call me to burn out—He called me to build, and He would provide the way.

This went against everything society teaches us. It went against everything I learned even in the health and fitness arena. Everyone talks about "grinding" like it's this amazing thing. However, what I learned over time is the "grind" can also cause us to hit a brick wall. When I hit that wall the first time, it hit like nothing else. I found myself facing the challenge of continuing forward. I struggled releasing control. I worked so hard. Why couldn't I be that fitness guru everyone went to for advice? The problem was, I was focusing on the wrong things. I was that person for many. I just didn't see it that way. I had to readjust my focus. What we focus on is what guides our thoughts. If I focused on those who didn't seek wisdom from me, I never would get where I desired to be. Becoming more like Jesus means giving grace to those who aren't quite ready to change their lives while focusing on the few who truly do. I wanted a better life and there were reasons I got into all the things I began doing. These reasons are reasons not everyone experiences. Therefore, I can't expect those who haven't been on a similar journey to want change as badly as I continue to want it. When we are comfortable, there is no need for true change. However, when things in our lives get tossed and our comfort is disrupted, who do we turn to? I had to realize that turning to people before turning to God wasn't the best idea. My charge for you is to turn to God, even if you are like I was in 2019 and never turned to Him like that before. Just let Him in. It doesn't have to be extravagant. I was in my apartment and called Him into my life. I had nothing left. Over the years, as challenges have continued to enter my life, I remember to turn to Him. It's not a perfect journey, but the more we practice, just like anything else, the better we get. Take the first S.T.E.P. - seek help from above.

God’s Guidance Over Human Understanding

Looking back, I now understand that everything I went through was preparing me to walk in obedience. A mentor once told me that I had been chosen to be a vessel for something much bigger than I could imagine. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what that meant. But almost six years later, I see it clearly—God has been shaping me, stretching me, and refining me to lead with His wisdom, not my own. The pruning has been quite painful mentally. However, without it, I would not be this person who continues to grow, evolve, and gain more knowledge to help others on a level I have yet to do. God calls and then equips. The equipping isn't easy, but I can now say it has been worth it. I couldn't have planned any of what He has called me to. I no longer try to explain it to outsiders because they aren't being given the same vision. What I do say now is, "come join me. I will show you." This is how Jesus operates. He doesn't need us to fully understand. He just needs us to desire to be a part of it all. 

Bynes also writes:

"When we allow Holy Spirit to be our ultimate business strategist, we are no longer limited by our own intellect, resources, or natural abilities."
(Bynes, 2018, p. 57)

This truth has become my anchor. When things don’t make sense, when the path ahead seems uncertain, I lean into God’s wisdom. I no longer try to force things to happen; I seek His direction and trust that He will lead me to the right people and the right opportunities.

Finding Purpose and Community in the Right Spaces

In my journey, one of the greatest blessings has been my involvement with Convene Communities. When I first joined, I didn’t fully grasp the vision, but I knew I was among people who were doing business with and for God. Today, I see it clearly—this platform is not just a business tool; it is a Kingdom assignment.

Matthew Currin, the founder of Convene, once told me:

"Convene is God’s platform because it is bigger than anything one man could ever think of."

And that truth still stands. Not everyone will understand it at first, and that’s okay. What matters is that we remain faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us.

Bynes further emphasizes:

"Your work and business are ministry. The marketplace is your pulpit, and your business is an opportunity to impact lives in ways you cannot yet fully see."
(Bynes, 2018, p. 89)

I now recognize that my business, my writing, my coaching, and my investments are all part of God’s divine plan. I am not just building a business—I am stewarding a calling.

Encouragement for the Journey

If you find yourself feeling weary in your journey, I encourage you to hold on to Proverbs 3:5-6:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

When we surrender our businesses and dreams to God, He provides clarity, strength, and divine connections. While not everyone will support your vision, trust that He will send the right people at the right time.

If you are looking for a Kingdom-minded community, I invite you to join me at Convene Communities. There, we are building businesses with faith, stewarding our gifts with wisdom, and supporting one another in ways that the world often overlooks. If you are feeling lost, overwhelmed, or uncertain, know this—God has already equipped you for the journey ahead. Trust Him, and keep going.

Final Thoughts

Not everything is meant to be understood or supported by others as we build. What matters is our obedience and faithfulness. For instance, I ask guidance each week for what I will write in a blog to encourage others. Today, He gave me this one to share with you. As Galatians 6:9 reminds us:

"Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary."

Your day is coming. Keep building. Keep trusting. Keep the faith. And when the time is right, the light will shine brightly on the work you have been faithfully stewarding. I am reminding myself as I remind you. Let's stay encouraged. Our challenges haven't been in vain. The harvest is coming!

If you’re ready to step into something greater, come join us at Convene Communities and the Lady J Empowerment Community. Together, we will do business differently—with purpose, faith, and grace.

 

References

Bynes, S. (2018). Grace Over Grind: How Grace Will Take Your Business Where Grinding Can’t. Kingdom Driven LLC.

Jodi "Lady J" Watkins

I am a woman of faith, a leader, a mentor, and a lifelong student of growth. My journey has been filled with challenges, mistakes, and lessons that have shaped me into who I am today. While I cannot change my past, I can use it as fuel to empower others, create awareness, and help people break through the barriers holding them back.

I believe in the power of transformation—mentally, physically, and spiritually. Healing is a process, and true change happens when we surround ourselves with the right people and open ourselves up to the journey. Through my work as an author, speaker, and wellness coach, I share my story to inspire others to reclaim their lives, step into their greatness, and embrace the calling God has placed on them.

Writing has been one of my most powerful healing tools, and I now use this gift to help others find their voice, rewrite their narratives, and move forward with clarity and confidence. My passion is to collaborate with like-minded individuals who are ready to make an impact and create a better future for the next generation.

If you or someone you know is ready to take the next step in their journey, let’s connect. Together, we can do more, reach more, and change more lives.

https://linktr.ee/ladyjempowers
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