Just keep showing up…

Photo by Rizky Subagja on Unsplash

Happy happy happy Friday, sweet friends!

I sure hope you have had a wonderful week.

This morning, I finished up my Bible reading and just could not wait to get to my computer to write to you.

Filling my cup of coffee for the second time, I just sat down with the biggest smile on my face as I thought of you.

A story keeps circulating through my heart that I heard this week and I want to share it with you!

This particular story encouraged me so much and I pray it encourages you as well.

This past Tuesday evening, my husband and I attended our bible study at a local coffee shop.

My friend Brittany’s husband, Kris, teaches the study,

Let me just start by saying…the Bible study in itself is a direct answer to prayer. I will talk about that another day. :)

Kris was telling us that years ago, he was sitting in a restaurant in our local town.

Suddenly, he felt he clearly heard God whisper to him to begin a bible study there.

Soon after, he got permission from the owner, and he began showing up weekly to teach this Bible study that God had led him to do.

Well, not one person showed up. Not one.

For three and a half months, Kris faithfully arrived at that restaurant ready to teach, but no one came.

Not one single person.

First of all, I am in awe that he kept showing up. I mean, I think I would have tucked my tail and headed home after a couple of weeks.

After 3 and a half months of no-shows, Kris was telling someone about how God had laid this on his heart but not one single soul was coming.

The guy asked Kris if he had advertised for the bible study.

Kris told him no, he had not.

The guy laughed and told him that was the problem! He needed to get the word out.

Kris then called the local newspaper to see if he could post about it in the paper.

The guy that answered the phone was stunned by this phone call. He had just been in a meeting trying to fill the “religious” section of the paper for that week, but had nothing to write.

He asked Kris if he could tell the story of this no-show bible study and advertise for it.

Well, of course, Kris said yes!

The next week…guess what happened…

50 people showed up to this bible study.

FIFTY!

Kris taught that study for the next 4 years.

Ok, friends. Here is what stands out so big to me here…

Perseverance.

I mean, who in their right mind would keep showing up for 3 and a half months with not a soul coming.

Obedience.

Kris heard clearly the call to start this study…and he did.

Humility.

Gosh, imagine how he must have felt showing up every week, bible and notebook in hand.

Yet, he continued to show up.

Wisdom.

When a friend suggested that he advertise the study, he did.

Sometimes, one word of wisdom from a friend can open the door.

I love how God will often send others to speak a word of wisdom into our lives.

Boldness.

Kris called the paper, without hesitation.

This story makes me wonder of the times that God has given us a word, and if we followed through.

If the road got difficult or uncomfortable, did we give up?

Maybe the word from Him was just too big or too soon, or so we thought. So, we brushed it aside and put it on a shelf for when we were “ready”.

Possibly the thing that God wants us to do could cause humiliation among our peers. Maybe we don’t want to risk being…”that person”.

So, we shrug it off and try to convince God to use someone else…or come at a later time when we “feel” more ready.

Friend, I hope and pray that this story will ENCOURAGE us and spur us on!

Let us listen for God’s voice daily, and let us HEED what He tells us.

Even if it seems impossible…

“All things are possible with God.” Matthew19:26

As we begin this day, let’s pray and ask God to lead us in every decision and every endeavor.

As we seek Him in His Word and prayer, we can be sure when He is speaking to us.

We begin to recognize His voice over all the others when we communicate with Him often and seek Him in His Word.

He speaks.

Let’s listen.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

Hebrews 10:24

***Oh! And, if you are free at 6:30 on Tuesday evenings and you live near Athens, Ga…meet us at Molly’s Coffee Shop in Watkinsville for bible study!! You will LOVE it and I would LOVE to hug your neck! :)

spurred on,

jill