It was a cool spring evening on April 10, 2024, when the congregation gathered at Community Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for their weekly discussion group. The church basement buzzed with anticipation as members settled into their seats, eager to engage in a meaningful conversation led by Daisy, a respected and wise woman in the church.

After a brief prayer, Daisy stood at the front of the room, her eyes scanning the group warmly. “Good evening, everyone. Tonight, we have an inspiring story to discuss—one that reminds us of perseverance, faith, and trusting in God’s plan. This is the story of Elise, a determined woman from right here in Grand Rapids who faced overwhelming challenges but refused to give up.”

The room quieted as Daisy continued.

“Elise grew up with a deep love for organic food. She believed in healthy living and wanted to provide her community with fresh, locally sourced produce. With that passion, she opened a small organic market, hoping to offer an alternative to mass-produced grocery store items. But from the start, she faced struggles. Large grocery chains dominated the market, and sales were slow. She worked tirelessly, but week after week, she saw little progress. She nearly gave up.”

A murmur of understanding spread through the group. Many in the room had faced obstacles in their own lives and businesses.

“But Elise wasn’t ready to let go of her dream just yet. She turned to prayer, seeking guidance from the Lord. One evening, she came across Proverbs 21:5: ‘The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.’ Those words resonated with her. She realized she needed a new strategy, not just hard work. So, she pivoted her business model. Instead of simply selling organic food, she built direct partnerships with local farmers. She transformed her store into a farm-to-table hub, offering fresh produce straight from the hands that grew it.”

Daisy paused, allowing the lesson to sink in. Then, she continued.

“This shift made all the difference. As customers learned that Elise’s market supported local farmers, word spread. People wanted to be part of something bigger—a community-driven effort to promote sustainability and local agriculture. Slowly but surely, Elise’s store became more than a market. It became a gathering place where people could connect, share recipes, and learn about healthy living. Her business flourished.”

Several heads nodded in agreement, inspired by Elise’s persistence.

“And then, an unexpected twist came,” Daisy said, smiling. “A national grocery chain took notice of Elise’s brand and the community impact she had made. They approached her with an offer—to feature her organic brand in stores nationwide. Imagine that! A woman who once struggled to keep her small shop afloat now had the opportunity to expand across the country.”

Gasps and murmurs filled the room.

“But this presented Elise with a difficult decision. Should she accept the deal and expand her brand, reaching more people? Or should she keep her business local, staying true to the close-knit community she had built? She wrestled with this choice, praying earnestly for direction. She was reminded of Colossians 3:23: ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.’ Ultimately, she knew that whatever choice she made had to honor God’s calling for her life.”

Daisy looked around the room and asked, “What would you have done in Elise’s position? Would you have expanded or stayed local?”

A man named Robert spoke up first. “I think expanding could be a good thing. It would allow more people to have access to healthy food, and Elise’s mission could reach beyond Grand Rapids.”

Miriam, a small business owner, shook her head. “But what about the personal touch? If she expands, she risks losing the connection with her customers and the authenticity of her brand. Sometimes, staying small means staying true to your values.”

Daisy smiled. “Great points from both perspectives. And that’s why it was such a difficult decision for Elise. There was no clear right or wrong answer—only the path God placed in her heart.”

She paused, then asked, “How does this story relate to your own lives? Have you ever faced a crossroads where you had to decide between growth and staying where you were?”

Lisa, a mother of three, spoke up. “Yes, when I was offered a higher-paying job in another city, I had to decide between moving my family or staying in our community. It wasn’t just about money—it was about what was best for my children and their future. I had to pray about it and trust God.”

Others shared their own experiences, reflecting on how faith guided them through uncertain times.

Daisy wrapped up the discussion with a final thought. “Elise’s story is a reminder that success isn’t just about profits or expansion. True success is honoring God in whatever we do. Whether we stay small or grow big, it’s about working with all our hearts for the Lord.”

She then suggested a website: sustainablefoodtrust.org, encouraging everyone to explore how sustainable food practices can impact their lives.

The evening ended in prayer, with each person reflecting on their own journey of faith, diligence, and trusting God’s guidance. As they left the church, they carried with them the story of Elise—a story of perseverance, wisdom, and unwavering faith in God’s plan.