This has truly been a year of new things. For many people across the country and world, this has been a year filled with firsts. So much so that anytime something crazy happens, people instantly comment something like “well, it is 2020” or “only in 2020.”
It almost seems as though we are becoming immune to astonishment. We think we’ve now seen it all. While most of us are learning to bob and weave our way around the curve balls this year has thrown our way, one common enemy continues to be a constant rut into which we find ourselves falling.
I’m talking about offense. It’s what author John Bevere calls “the bait of Satan.” I’ve fallen for it many times. For some reason, believers continue to navigate unfamiliar circumstances while hanging on to very familiar reactions. In the latest episode of the Next Level Podcast, I talk about the amazing entrepreneurial opportunities that are now present largely due to the unique situations we are in as a society.
The rise of technology and social media has created a space for creatives to highlight their gifts and talents. But unfortunately, in a world that has become numb to amazement, it has been a battle for creatives to stand out and impress. And anytime there is a battle for others’ approval, the window is left open for offense to come. And it will.
Where there’s opportunity to thrive, there is always opportunity to fail. In the same way, when we live and move among people, there is always an opportunity to be offended. Often when we care about a thing, a product or a creative endeavor, we far too easily get offended when others don’t value it as much as we do. This harsh reality often keeps young entrepreneurs from stepping out of the boat and offering their personal flavor to the world.
It’s time for you, young kingdom entrepreneur, to believe in yourself. It’s time to appreciate who you are. It’s time to believe what God has given you is valuable and needed in this world.
If you can learn to see in yourself the good, amazing, kingdom-building ability that God sees in you, then it won’t matter what other people think. Jesus told us to be in the world but not of the world. That means that we are called to be influential but not easily influenced. We are called to stand firm and not waver. You have a dream. You have a plan. You have a purpose—and you can hear the voice of the Father.
Not everyone will agree with you. Not everyone will like you. But you are the apple of His eye, and He is on your side. And that is all you need. I promise. {eoa}
Jackie Bledsoe 
Charisma Media Staff 
