The Bible tells us in Joel 2:25, “I will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten.”-Sam Walton-By the 1980s, Walmart had become the largest retailer in America, proving that Walton’s vision was not only sustainable but revolutionary.
Oops, I Didn’t See That Coming! The Story of Sam Walton
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The Visionary Behind Walmart
Sam Walton, a man of resilience, determination, and an unshakable belief in hard work, built Walmart into the retail empire we know today. Born on March 29, 1918, in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, Walton grew up during the Great Depression, witnessing firsthand the struggles of hardworking families trying to make ends meet. This experience shaped his commitment to providing quality goods at the lowest possible prices.
His upbringing was deeply influenced by his family’s Christian faith, which instilled in him a strong moral compass and a sense of responsibility toward both his customers and employees. Throughout his life, Walton often credited his success to his faith in God, relentless work ethic, and innovative thinking.
Laying the Foundation for Walmart
Before launching Walmart, Walton was a keen observer. He didn’t rush into business blindly but took time to study the retail industry.
After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, he used his savings and a loan to purchase a Ben Franklin variety store in Newport, Arkansas, in 1945. This was his training ground—where he learned what worked and what didn’t in retail. Walton spent years investigating successful businesses, analyzing their pricing strategies, customer service methods, and inventory management. He also took note of what wasn’t working in traditional retail and sought innovative solutions.
When he lost his first store in 1950 due to a lease agreement that prevented renewal, he didn’t let the setback break him. Instead, he moved to Bentonville, Arkansas, and opened Walton’s 5 &10, another variety store that became wildly successful. He saw an opportunity that others missed: if he could buy goods in bulk, he could sell them at lower prices than competitors and still turn a profit.
The Birth of Walmart and the Enemy’s Attempts to Derail It
Walton officially opened the first Walmart store in Rogers, Arkansas, on July 2, 1962. His idea was simple: provide low-cost goods in rural areas where big retailers often ignored customers.
However, success didn’t come without opposition. The enemy (whether in the form of competitors, financial struggles, or industry naysayers) tried but did not succeed in stopping him.
1. Doubt from Investors – Many financial institutions and business leaders dismissed Walton’s business model. They told him that selling goods at such low prices wouldn’t be sustainable.
2. Competitor Attacks – Established retailers felt threatened by Walmart’s pricing strategy and attempted to push Walton out of the market. Some even pressured suppliers not to sell to Walmart.
3. Legal and Financial Challenges – Walmart faced multiple lawsuits over business practices, and rapid expansion put strain on the company’s financial stability.
Despite all of this, Walton remained persistent and adaptable. He leaned on faith, innovation, and his unwavering commitment to serving customers.
By the 1980s, Walmart had become the largest retailer in America, proving that Walton’s vision was not only sustainable but revolutionary.
Sam Walton’s Final Years and Legacy
Walton continued leading Walmart until his passing on April 5, 1992, at the age of 74. Even in his final years, he remained humble, often seen visiting stores, talking to employees, and ensuring that Walmart’s core values remained intact.
His philosophy of servant leadership, taking care of employees (whom he called “associates”), and keeping prices affordable for customers continues to define Walmart’s culture.
Author’s Real-Life Note: God’s Unexpected Provision
A few months ago, I placed a $300 grocery order from Walmart for home delivery. It was a simple order—items I needed, things I planned for. But when the delivery didn’t arrive at my door, I discovered that my groceries had been delivered to the wrong house.
Frustrated, I initially wanted to call and demand my items be replaced immediately. But then, I paused. I took a hard look at my situation and realized something profound: God always supplies.
Instead of focusing on what was lost, I felt a quiet peace settle in my heart. Whoever received that grocery order must have really needed it. And you know what? Within 12 hours, Walmart refunded my entire order. I simply reordered, and this time, the groceries came to my door.
This experience reminded me of how Jesus works. Sometimes, things go “wrong” in our eyes, but in God’s divine plan, nothing is lost. If something is taken from you, He will restore it—often in ways you never expected.
The Bible tells us in Joel 2:25,
“I will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten.”
This means that if the enemy has stolen from you—whether it’s peace, finances, opportunities, or relationships—God will return it to you sevenfold or more. It may not look the way we imagined, but it will always be better.
Just like Sam Walton faced opposition but built an empire, and just like my groceries went to the “wrong” place but God took care of it—our faith in Jesus will always lead to restoration.
Holy Spirit-Inspired Poem: Unexpected Blessings
When things go wrong, and storms arise,
When tears fall heavy from weary eyes,
Remember, child, God holds it all,
No loss too great, no need too small.
The locust came and took away,
But sevenfold returns one day.
What seemed unfair, what looked unplanned,
Was guided by the Father’s hand.
So trust in Him, release your fear,
His voice whispers, “I am near.”
For all that’s lost, He will replace,
With something greater, by His grace.
Prayer for Divine Restoration
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being the God of restoration. When things don’t go as planned, help me trust that You are still in control. I surrender every loss, every setback, and every moment of frustration to You.
Just as You blessed Sam Walton with wisdom and perseverance, and just as You turned my lost grocery order into a lesson of Your faithfulness, I trust You to restore everything in my life according to Your perfect will.
I declare that what the enemy has tried to steal from me will be returned sevenfold. Thank You for always providing more than I could ask or imagine. I rest in Your promises today.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Final Thoughts
Sam Walton built an empire despite opposition, just as God calls us to rise above challenges with faith. Walmart wasn’t just about retail—it was about serving others and trusting that success follows obedience to a vision.
And in our everyday lives, whether in business, personal struggles, or even a misplaced grocery order, God is working behind the scenes. The locust may come, but the restoration will always be greater.
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The Saviors Prayer and Accepting Jesus as Your King and Savior
"Lord Jesus,
I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness.
I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead.
I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life.
I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior.
In Your Mighty Name Jesus,Amen, Amen, Amen."
Psalm 118:24
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
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The 10 Commandments Reminder
Here are the Ten Commandments, as listed in the Bible (specifically from the Book of Exodus 20:1-17, and also found in Deuteronomy 5:4-21):
You shall have no other gods before Me.
You shall not make for yourselves a carved image or any likeness of anything that is in the heaven above or on the earth below. Remember money and stuff is only stuff, not God. When you leave this earthly life it gets left behind.
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Honor your father and mother. Don't take on their divine lessons God presents them with. They may have been a pain in the butt sometimes but remember it works both ways! They are part of our "Faith Walk" and we are part of theirs. We can't save them, only God can, however healthy boundaries are self loving. Sometimes we have to love them from a distance and accept their apology they never gave us. If you need a prayer to help you forgive and follow this commandment. I can help you with that so please reach out. faithwalkministries777@outlook.com
You shall not murder. This includes lies and slander where you destroy someone's reputation.
You shall not commit adultery. This includes looking at another that you aren't married to in any inappropriate way.
You shall not steal. If you steal anything, no matter how small, you are giving out the vibration to Abba Father of lack and that's what you will get more of!
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house, wife, or possessions.
Be blessed my friend.
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