Friend, have you ever felt like you’re standing on the edge of something big, something world-changing, but you’re starting from a place that feels… well, small?
Maybe you’ve got a fire in your belly, a God-given vision for your business, but when you look around, all you see are limited resources, a tiny audience, or a world that just doesn’t quite get what you’re trying to build.
If that sounds familiar, let me tell you, you’re in incredible company. In fact, you’re walking a path trodden by the most influential figure in all of human history. Over the next many blog posts, I want to take you on a journey into the heart of a story that began in the dusty, overlooked village of Nazareth.
Imagine this: a young man, Jesus Christ, growing up in a town so unremarkable that people would later scoff, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46).
It’s a question that probably echoes in the hearts of many entrepreneurs today, doesn’t it? That nagging doubt that whispers, “Can anything truly significant come from my humble beginnings, from my limited setup?”
Let me tell you, the answer is a resounding YES!
From that very unlikeliness, from that perceived obscurity, a movement was launched that has shaped civilizations and transformed billions of lives.
And here’s the exciting part: the principles that propelled Jesus from obscurity to unparalleled influence are not locked away in ancient history.
They are timeless, potent, and surprisingly relevant for you, the modern-day entrepreneur, the visionary, the one called to build something that matters.
Now, if you thought the Messiah was going to roll in on a golden chariot with a full honor guard, the ancient scriptures would have set you straight. Centuries before Jesus even took His first breath in that Bethlehem stable, the prophet Isaiah painted a picture that’s both startling and deeply moving:
“He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.” (Isaiah 53:2-3, NIV)
A “tender shoot”? A “root out of dry ground”? What does that make you think of?
To me, it speaks of a beginning that’s almost fragile, certainly unassuming, and set against a backdrop that looks like it could barely sustain life, let alone world-changing greatness. No flashy entrance, no instant celebrity status. Instead, the prophecy itself hints at being overlooked, even pushed aside.
The King of all creation wasn’t born in a palace. He arrived in a humble stable, laid in an animal’s feeding trough, because, as Luke (2:7) tells us, “there was no guest room available for them.” Can you imagine?
And His childhood?... Spent in Nazareth. A town so off-the-map that when Philip told Nathanael he’d found the Messiah, from Nazareth, Nathanael’s gut reaction was, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” (John 1:46, NIV).
It’s almost comical, if it weren’t so profound. This was His hometown, the place where, as Luke (2:40) beautifully puts it, He “grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.” All of this, largely tucked away from the world’s spotlight.
The Big Idea: Greatness Doesn’t Always Shout, Sometimes It Whispers
So, what’s the big takeaway here, the truth that can revolutionize how you see your own journey? It’s this:
Real, lasting greatness often springs from the places no one’s looking, from the people everyone underestimates.
God, in His infinite wisdom, has this incredible habit of flipping the world’s expectations on their head. “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone.” (Psalm 118:22) Jesus’s early life? It’s a masterclass in the principle that true, earth-shaking influence isn’t always birthed under the big lights.
More often, it’s carefully, faithfully cultivated in the quiet, unseen years of growth and preparation, even when it feels like you’re stuck in “obscurity.”
For You, the Entrepreneur: Your “Nazareth” is Not Your Nemesis
Listen, if you’re an entrepreneur, this should make your heart leap. Your current situation – maybe it’s a shoestring budget, a tiny network, a lack of fancy credentials, or feeling like you’re operating out of your own version of “Nazareth” – that situation does not get to define your ultimate potential. I truly believe that.
Significant, world-changing impact can, and often does, rise from the most humble of beginnings, especially when it’s guided by a crystal-clear vision, rock-solid core values, and a deep alignment with the One who authors all great stories. The world might not see your brilliance yet, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t there, waiting to shine.
Let’s Get Practical: How to Build an Empire from Your Own “Garage”
Ever think about companies like Apple or Amazon? Their stories are the stuff of legend now, but man, their beginnings were about as humble as they come.
Apple, famously, was birthed in a garage, fueled by the passion of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.
Amazon? Jeff Bezos started it as an online bookstore, also from his garage.
These giants didn’t start with gleaming corporate headquarters or massive teams. They started with an idea, a relentless commitment, and a whole lot of work done in obscurity before the world even knew their names. Their initial “Nazareth” didn’t stop them; it became a powerful part of their origin story, a testament to what’s possible.
So, what do you do with this? First, take a deep breath and just acknowledge where you are right now, without any judgment. If you feel small, unknown, or under-resourced, resist that powerful urge to chase after premature applause or to play the comparison game (you know, comparing your chapter one to someone else’s chapter twenty – that’s a recipe for discouragement!).
Instead, pour your energy into building a foundation that’s unshakable. What are the non-negotiable values that are the bedrock of your venture? What’s that compelling vision that pulls you out of bed in the morning, even when things are tough? Invest in those things.
Like a tree sending its roots deep into the earth, even if the ground seems dry right now, those foundational elements will be what sustains you and prepares you for the incredible growth that’s coming.
In subsequent blogs, I will roll out eight powerful strategies modeled by Jesus that are worthy of emulation so you can reach your full potential in Christ, in the competitive marketplace of ideas.
But in the meantime, here’s where the rubber meets the road. Write a short paragraph – just 3 to 5 sentences – describing what you feel is the most ‘unlikely’ thing about your entrepreneurial idea or your current business. Get it out there.
Now, right below that, I want you to identify and write down one core belief or principle that you are going to cling to, something that will be your anchor, to help you not just overcome any perceived limitations from this ‘unlikeliness,’ but to actually use it to propel you forward with even greater purpose.
Take your time with this. This isn’t just an exercise; it’s about setting the stage for your own incredible journey from your unique “Nazareth” to the impact you’re called to make.
Don't miss the next blog because I will begin to layout the 8 strategies I found modeled by Jesus and highly applicable to your vision and business.
Until them, "be fruitful and multiply"
P.S. I'll be speaking at the IGNITE 2025 conference tomorrow night (May 15th) and doing a workshop on Friday May 16th. Get registration details here.
P.P.S. If you can't attend in person, it will be LIVE STREAMED here on Facebook.
Where do I even begin? My words will likely pale in comparison to the magnitude of your blog post Michael, and its impact in my heart this morning. This comment may seem random, but I assure you it has been breathed into my heart, mere moments ago. Holy Spirit awakened me this morning at 3:21am – a VERY special time between Jesus, my husband, and myself. I knew something had been prepared for me as I excitedly made my way to my kitchen table, to feast and grow.
It all started with a cloud. Funny, huh? I didn’t understand why two days ago Holy Spirit told me to read Exodus 14 and Leviticus 12; it seemed so ‘random.’ After reading I still could not make any connections, other than the obvious and glorious message of redemption and deliverance; and the ‘days of purifying.’
Little did I know that within 48 hours a painting would be presented; of the most glorious colors and images; declaring hope, purpose, and vision…..all because of a cloud; oh…and a rabbit. With gratitude I grabbed hold of each unveiled confirmation and understanding. Holding on to new and fresh teaching of having a FIRM foundation, and your words, “Instead, pour your energy into building a foundation that’s unshakable.” confirmed the path I was on was indeed established, and I would be led each moment. And only as Holy Spirit can do, He took my hand and led me down a road full of surprises and treasures awaiting to be uncovered.
Here is a sampling of those confirmations and I pray that the connection be made between all these words here, as I am just too excited and maybe a little all over the place. CLOUD confirmation: Exodus 14:19,20 “And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: 20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to THEM, BUT IT GAVE LIGHT BY NIGHT to THESE:……” I sense strongly that the blueprints and specific instructions are coming. It’s been a long hard road of waiting, and being purified.
Knowing how to focus and to resist distractions is necessary, so it took several promptings for me to realize that the ‘rabbit’ trails were indeed of Holy Spirit. So I gave in and looked at my phone to see what He was leading me to. It was a prophetic word that made my spirit man jump with excitement. “I am sending a cloud, but this cloud will be unlike any cloud you’ve ever seen. This cloud will bring businesses, wealth, resources, an expansion of my hand.” Now, I mostly reject a lot of prophetic words/messages, (care and discernment must be taken); but my husband and I had just prayed in the spirit, yesterday, regarding these same words. 1 Kings 18:41-46 Elijah had sent his servant to look for a cloud, a sign of ‘rain’ and ‘relief.’ Praise God the rain is coming! It’s being sent!!
I told Holy Spirit I was staying focused on Him and avoiding the rabbit trails. Well, he puts images in my mind of Alice in Wonderland, then He leads me to look up the meaning of the rabbit in that movie. “In Alice in Wonderland, the White Rabbit symbolizes curiosity, a quest for knowledge, and the beginning a new adventure or a life transformation. Now, I usually dismiss silly things like this on the internet, but THIS….it had WEIGHT. It was AGAIN, what we have been talking with the LORD about, and things He has been confirmed for some time, in our spirits.
Walking with Jesus is such an incredible adventure and journey with someone you know HAS you in the palm of His Hand. There’s NO REASON WHATSOEVER to not LIVE VALIANTLY (with courage and determination), and VIBRANTLY (energetically, exciting and full of enthusiasm), and VIGOROUSLY (forcefully and full effort); this one, and only life we have to live here; in full preparation of living with Father in His Kingdom.
Well, the sun has now risen and streams of gorgeous light are dancing on my lawn. I have to end my joyful time here in His Presence, and go mow 5 acres of grass before we’re overrun with chiggers, mosquitos, and baby frogs from our pond.
P.S. Michael, thank you for being faithful, and always showing up to pour into us, what Holy Spirit has poured into you. God bless you sir!
This is just absolutely beautiful and encouraging. What an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your heart. God bless you.
I agree Teresa. Thank you for posting your response!
Thank you Teresa for your kind words. Your name is a special blessing for me, as my mom’s name is also Teresa. She went home almost 20 years ago now. I love your name….it’s really beautiful. Her middle name was Joyce. I don’t see that much anymore. Have a great week!
Wow Tiria; Don’t you love how the Lord weaves together His tapestry in your life! Thank you for sharing this and all the best to mowing your grass! (-:
Michael, I sure do! I love being outside, to it’s a treat for me to get to spend several hours mowing; and I love that time getting to think and pray and sing. Have safe travels this weekend.
That reminds me of Brother Lawrence and the book Practicing The Presence of God. Thanks for sharing that delight!
Michael, what a beautiful reminder of the faithfulness of God to make our lives a testimony of His goodness! He does it all if we just show up! The Message..MSG
“Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God’s Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present. There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.”
Thank you Judy. He does do it all if we just show up! What a beautiful rendering of Philippians 1:3-6 in The Message!
Wow so Amazing, God bless you brother. Teaching business God’s way.
Shalom. Thanks for sharing. Baroness Carmen Clements
Thank you and God bless you richly!