Early this year, I had the opportunity to lead my team to organize our first conference for women in Kumasi. Like every event, we had challenges with venue, marketing, sponsorship...the usual.

But one personal challenge I battled with before, during and even after the event was my 'enemies'. Of course, I'm not the most-liked or nicest person on earth so obviously I am very much aware that not everyone smiling with me and patting my back wants me to succeed.

In fact, there were certain people that I was absolutely sure were looking forward to the event being a total flop. Interestingly, each time I worried about how people would laugh if the event was not successful, this Bible text came to mind: You set a table before me in the presence of my enemies. (Psalm 23:5) In spite of this reassurance, my stubborn head would worry occasionally.

A day before the event, someone made a comment about how I should not worry about getting a big venue because not that many people were coming anyway. I was not happy with the comment but I told God about it in my head and reminded Him that this event was for Him. Mind you, although we had planned to have 200 people from the start we ordered 300 chairs and snacks...Big faith right?

Well, so the day of the event arrived. So far so good, things were on course. About an hour into the conference I looked at the half-empty room and asked God in my head “Daddy, so are you going to allow my 'enemy' to laugh at me and say 'I told you so?’” I also reminded Him again of my earlier prayer that everyone who came for the event would be touched and inspired to shine some more. After this short prayer, I went about my duties making sure everything was on course.

Long story short, in the end we recorded 300+ participants at The Fabulous Woman Speaks ‘16. Oh but that was not even my main joy, it was the countless positive feedback we had afterward. I was actually in awe!

Later, as I sat down quietly to let Daddy upstairs know how grateful I was for giving us success and that He did not allow me to be embarrassed, this Bible text came to mind again 'You set a table before me in the presence of my enemies'. This really got me thinking, wait a minute if God has promised to set a table before me in the presence of my enemies, why on earth is my focus on the 'enemy' and not the 'table'? Why have I spent precious time thinking about how much some people would have rejoiced had the program been a flop? When did their business become my headache anyway? In fact, I felt ashamed as I realized how ridiculous I had been. Forgive me Daddy, I need to work on my faith!

Child of God, whether we like it or not, His promise to us stands: He will set a table before us in the presence of our enemies. Ours is to focus on the fabulous dishes displayed before us and enjoy them to His delight. We will not acknowledge our enemies not because we are ignorant of their existence, but because we remember His other promise that our enemy will be His enemy. From this day, I will endeavor to focus on the table before me. Will you?

Enjoy your meal!

 Ama Duncan, Corporate Trainer & Founder of The Fabulous Woman Network

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