The best thing to do is keep looking forward

Every once in a while, I like to go to a local hotspot where a lot of people are congregated together, and find a place in the corner and just write.

Sometimes it’s writing a sermon. Sometimes I am just taking down my notes and thoughts. Then there are mornings like this one, when I am in the midst of a busy place writing this article. Friends come by and say hello. The locals sit at a table and chatter.

I am not looking for information. It’s the chatter in the background that I find soothing.

I have found through the years that when it comes to casting vision, it is good to cast vision in a place where there are distractions because it forces you to keep looking forward.

The reason is that when you cast vision, when you walk in a spirit of an entrepreneur, it is a guarantee that you will deal with distractions, negativity and the opinions of others.

So what is your dream? What is it that God has placed on your heart that the naysayers and the envious do not want you to accomplish?

Here is my advice to you. Go for it! Make a plan and then write it out. Revise it! Perfect it!

Pick three people you can trust and get their opinions. “Eat the meat,” and “Spit out the bones,” then revise the plan again. Identify your obstacles. However, do not allow those obstacles to become excuses.

Be patient, pray, plan and work hard. Study, investigate, and find people who are smarter than you, and glean from their wisdom. Then, remove those obstacles one at a time. Last but not least, do not allow people who do not believe in you to belittle you or bully you. If people want to take away your self-worth, they have to have your permission to do so.

I have learned how to take the typical pastoral stereotype and use it to my advantage. Most people believe pastors pray and read their bible all week and then preach on Sundays and Wednesdays, only to climb back in their hole to do it all again next week. Nothing can be further from the truth.

I actually believe that every situation God has placed me in is for God himself to get the glory from it.

The scripture says that King Solomon as a child was asked by God to ask for anything and it would be given to Solomon. Solomon asked for wisdom. The Apostle James said if any man would lack wisdom, he should ask God and wisdom would be given to him. The second thought on this is: never underestimate a man or woman who is internally covered in emotional scars. The person who has gone through fire and still can hold his integrity and character before God can accomplish anything.

In the Bible, we see Joseph, who was anointed by the Lord at a young age. However, his anointing and vision were watered and fertilized by emotional pain. Rejected by his brothers, and sold into slavery, he still prospered. God prospered Joseph until he was second in command of all of Egypt.

Here is the lesson we need to learn from Joseph; ultimately, God is the holder of our character and integrity. No lie, no misleading, or maligning of our character can hold us bound unless we allow it to.

As we endure all things and keep our eyes on Jesus, he will honor us and promote us.

I was in a meeting several months ago, attending for a board I am serving on, and it was clear the leaders of the committee did not want me there. The president of that board was sizing me up. He snickered as he said; “Dave, I do not know if you have any experience serving on boards.” When he made that statement, I knew he was not prepared for what I have to offer the committee. He underestimates my abilities and experiences.

What the gentleman did not realize is that he just empowered me. He put me in the driver’s seat and now I control the momentum for the good of the community. He did not realize God’s favor is with me.

I will do everything in my power to seek, justice, love mercy, and walk humbly. I have 30 years of experience serving on boards. I have been fighting for justice in the communities I have served for 30 years. I’ve worked hard. (My wife and I) served passionately when we were, and when we were not, appreciated. We served the Lord and after we allowed ourselves time to heal. God has elevated Heidi and I to a place of statewide influence. I mentor spiritual and business leaders all over the country and even mentor a couple that lives in Egypt. We work diligently for students and small churches throughout the state.

Understand, that when you speak your dreams and they laugh at your vision, do not take it personally. It is not you who is foolish, it is them. Their faith and their minds are too small to see the beautiful plan God has placed inside of you.

Please understand my motive here. My purpose is to empower you. Keep moving forward. Don’t let people talk you out of what you know in your heart is right. As always, may the Lord bless you and your family. Have a great week and peace on earth y’all!

Dave Truncone is the pastor of First Assembly of God Church in Van Buren. He is married to Heidi and they have two daughters, Hannah, and Abigail. They live in Van Buren.