“Faith in the Journey: Kendra’s Leap of Entrepreneurship”

Sunday School Leader: Amara Johnson
Date: July 7, 2024

Welcome & Opening Prayer
Good morning, everyone! It is such a blessing to be together this Sunday as we explore how faith and perseverance shape our lives. Today, we will learn from the incredible story of Kendra, a young entrepreneur from Detroit, who trusted in God’s strength through life’s challenges.

Let’s begin with prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing us together this morning. As we study Your Word and reflect on Kendra’s journey, help us to trust in Your strength and run with perseverance the race You have set before us. Open our hearts to Your wisdom and guidance. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kendra’s Entrepreneurial Leap
Kendra had always been a creative thinker, but she wasn’t sure if she had what it took to run a business. Despite her doubts, she decided to take a leap of faith and start her own marketing agency. With the support of her family, she worked hard to build her business from the ground up.

After months of dedication and persistence, she finally landed her first major client. It was a moment of joy and confirmation that she was on the right path.

This reminds us of an important truth:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

Kendra knew that her abilities alone weren’t enough—she needed God’s strength to sustain her.

A Difficult Setback
Just as her business was beginning to take off, Kendra faced an unexpected challenge—a serious health crisis. She was forced to step back from the business she had worked so hard to build. At first, she felt frustrated and discouraged. Had she made the wrong decision? Would everything she had built come crashing down?

Instead of giving up, Kendra adapted. She hired a small team to help with daily operations and reorganized her workflow to manage her responsibilities in a way that prioritized her health. This required patience and trust in God’s plan.

The Bible reminds us:

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” – Hebrews 12:1

Kendra’s story teaches us that perseverance doesn’t mean never facing hardships; it means continuing to trust in God even when challenges arise.

A New Calling
As her business grew, Kendra began mentoring young entrepreneurs, sharing her experiences and guiding them in their own journeys. Through this, she realized that her true passion was not just in marketing but in helping others find their purpose.

At the end of the year, Kendra received an unexpected invitation to speak at a national business conference. As she prepared her speech, she felt God calling her to something even greater. The real surprise came when she made a bold decision—she sold her company and committed herself fully to working for the church.

This decision shocked many, but Kendra knew it was the right step. Her journey had always been about faith, and now she was using her gifts to serve God’s kingdom in a new way.

Discussion & Reflection
Let’s take a moment to reflect and discuss:

1. Have you ever faced a challenge that made you question whether you were on the right path?
2. How do you rely on God’s strength when you feel overwhelmed?
3. What does perseverance look like in your life right now?

Closing Thoughts & Prayer
Kendra’s story is a reminder that God equips us for the race He has set before us. Whether in business, ministry, or daily life, we can trust that He will strengthen us for the journey ahead.

If you’re interested in learning more about business and leadership, I recommend visiting Forbes.com for valuable insights.

Let’s close in prayer:

Father, thank You for reminding us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Help us to persevere through challenges and trust in Your perfect plan. May we use our gifts to serve You and others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thank you all for being here today. May you go forth encouraged and ready to run your race with faith!

Blessings,
Amara Johnson