Jackie’s Word on Faith and Flourishing

Date: Sunday, April 13, 2025
Location: Maple Grove Community Chapel

The chapel bell rang promptly at 9:45 a.m., its chime mingling with the scent of fresh coffee and warm pastries that lined the welcome table in the fellowship hall. Maple Grove was waking up to a sun-drenched Sunday, and though the breeze still carried the chill of spring, there was warmth in the air—a warmth that came not just from the weather, but from the people gathering with open hearts and expectant spirits.

At 10:00 a.m., the Sunday School meeting began in the main room, which was filled with long tables, hand-labeled name tags, Bibles, and friendly chatter. Jackie, a woman in her early 50s with a no-nonsense tone and a heart as wide as the prairie sky, stood up and called the class to attention.

“Good morning, church family,” she began, smiling as she adjusted her glasses. “I’ve been praying all week for this session. I believe God is doing something special here in Maple Grove—and not just in our spiritual lives, but even in how this town is growing and thriving.”

She gestured to a flip chart behind her that read: Faith, Flourishing, and the Favor of God in a Growing City.

Jackie continued, “Now, let me start by telling you something I read this week. Maple Grove’s population is booming—faster than anyone expected. And with that, local businesses are springing up like wildflowers in spring. I’m talking about entrepreneurs, families, dreamers—people with faith in their hearts and ideas in their hands.”

A murmur of agreement rolled through the class. Many in the room had felt the effects of this local boom firsthand. Dave and Cheryl, who opened a small home-baking business last year, nodded knowingly. “We had no idea it would take off the way it did,” Cheryl whispered.

Jackie opened her Bible. “Let’s start today with Deuteronomy 8:18: ‘But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.’”

She paused. “This verse reminds us that the ability to thrive—even in business—is a gift from God. It’s not just about luck or hustle; it’s about divine opportunity.”

The class leaned in.

“You see,” Jackie said, “our local government isn’t just sitting back. They’re actually helping people get started. They’re giving grants, tax breaks, even speeding up permits. And that’s not by accident. I believe that kind of favor flows from a higher source. God is paving a way for the people in this town to rise up and bless their neighbors through good, honest work.”

She walked to the window and looked out briefly.

“I passed by OMNI Brewing Co. the other day—y’all know that place is packed every weekend. And it’s not just about beer,” Jackie chuckled, “it’s about people coming together. It’s a meeting place. It’s innovation. It’s community.”

Then she looked back at the group. “We need to understand something. When a community grows, it’s not just buildings going up—it’s people finding purpose. It’s dreams waking up. And friends, I believe the Spirit of God is in this.”

She turned the page on the flip chart. It now read: “Opportunities to Bless Others Through Business.”

“The Maple Grove Business Association,” she said, “is helping people connect. There are networking events, mentorships, resources—things that didn’t exist a few years ago. If any of you have a dream to start something, don’t be afraid. This is a city of open doors.”

Eli, a younger man sitting in the back, raised his hand. “Jackie, do you think starting a business can be a kind of ministry?”

Jackie’s eyes lit up.

“Oh, absolutely,” she said. “And I’m glad you asked. Look at Paul—he was a tentmaker! God didn’t call everyone to preach from a pulpit. Some are called to preach through action. A kind word at a cash register. A fair wage paid to an employee. A bakery that gives its leftovers to the shelter. A tutoring center that charges less for low-income families. These are businesses—but they are also beacons of grace.”

She opened to Matthew 5:14: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

“Friends,” Jackie said, now pacing with fervor, “Maple Grove is becoming that city on a hill. Not just because we have nice parks and new apartments. But because we have people who are choosing to shine in the everyday. In their homes. At their jobs. And yes—in their businesses.”

There was a silence. Not the empty kind, but the holy kind—where everyone feels the gravity of what’s just been spoken.

Then Jackie smiled again, softer this time.

“I know some of you are afraid to step out. Maybe you’ve had a dream tucked away for years. But let me tell you—faith isn’t faith until it walks out the door. And if God is stirring something in you, don’t bury it. The ground is fertile. This city is ready.”

She closed her Bible and sat down for a moment. The room stayed still.

Finally, she stood up one more time. “Let’s end in prayer. And I want to pray especially over anyone here today who’s carrying a dream. A business. A ministry. A vision. Let’s ask God to bless the soil under our feet and the work of our hands.”

Heads bowed. Voices hushed. Jackie’s voice, calm but bold, filled the room as she prayed:

“Lord, we thank You for Maple Grove—for its growth, its people, its potential. Thank You for the favor You are pouring out on this city. Bless the entrepreneurs, the dreamers, the risk-takers. May their ventures bring You glory. Give wisdom, strength, and divine connections to those walking into new territory. May this be a city that not only grows, but grows in grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

As the group lingered afterward, coffee cups were refilled, phone numbers exchanged, and side conversations sparked dreams anew.

Some spoke of starting that online shop. Others shared about writing their business plans at last. All left with one common thought: something is happening in Maple Grove, and by God’s grace, we get to be part of it.