Just Show Up | Guest Post by Kelly Griffiths

Welcome to Real Life.  How do you respond when God calls you to do something far beyond your natural ability?


A friend of mine texted me this morning asking for prayer. As she should. She’s about to embark on something that’s way out of her league. She does this for Jesus and for His people, especially those who feel most forsaken, who the world deems most filthy and most foul, but who are loved by God.
They that are whole have no need of a physician; but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners. –Jesus
I text my friend: Just show up. God will do the rest. I tell her that because that’s what I've been told by other, wiser walkers before me; it’s what I tell myself when I’m about to step out onto the tightrope of faith and have no long stick, no net, just my empty palms held out and turned up. In some ways that’s freeing, that just showing up. But in other ways it’s the hardest part because working up the gumption to push against static friction is even harder than pushing against plain old friction, which is hard enough, thank you very much.

Those of us who fear showing up are in good company. Moses really didn't want to show up. Listen to him argue with God about whether or not he was fit for the mission: "Who am I, that I should go? What shall I say? What if they will not believe me or listen to what I say? Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent … I am slow of speech and slow of tongue" (Exodus 34). And Saul? So didn't want to show, as evidenced by the fact that he hid himself by the baggage when it was time for his coronation. Gideon whined. Ananias balked. Even Jesus admitted He was only sent; He submitted, and not without a respectful request for some other options: My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not what I will, but as Thou wilt.

Showing up isn't easy.

When you fearfully and wonderfully step onto a personal emotional battlefield and hold the banner for God, expect to be shot at. You will experience anxiety and abandonment. Maybe worse. There isn't always that peace-which-passes-all-understanding hugging us like a buddy. Sometimes, we’re just gritting our teeth and showing up.

My friend, who asked for prayer is a spiritual giant and I, her lilliputian friend. But, we can always use a fresh perspective, and our differences hone us in ways matching feathers wouldn't. Even the perspective of children is welcomed by the Lord. So, I too can say with confidence: just show up; God will do the rest.

My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. –Jesus





Kelly Griffiths, a home educator and soccer mom, lives in her van all over northeast Ohio. She is founder and creator of the 5000 Words Writing and Literature Class, a college preparatory language arts program. For everything worthy and lovely in her life, Kelly credits her Savior, Jesus Christ. Visit Kelly's blog.

Comments

  1. I appreciated the line: "Even Jesus admitted He was only sent; He submitted, and not without a respectful request for some other options . . . " It hit home it IS okay to doubt you're up to a task and even to ask God to gift it to another - the challenge is showing up after He says: "No - this one's for you!" Thanks, Kelly, And thanks, Peggi, for hosting!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Shel,
      Thanks for stopping by. "Showing up" isn't as easy as it sounds. Those of us who keenly feel our weakness are in good company. I love the way Kelly expresses it!

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    2. God, as far as I believe, is all knowing. Unless He knows that you have the strength and the faith, He would never ask you to do anything beyond your ability. The choice to do something beyond your reach is entirely your's. Only remember, who gave you the choice.

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    3. Great point, friend! Thanks for stopping by. Yes, God is sovereign. He knows what we are capable of. However, I feel as though he often calls me to do things beyond my "natural" ability. Because it is those works that require faith. I know that unless God empowers me, there is no way it will happen without him. I have seen this time and again in my own life.

      Thanks for your thoughts!

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    4. Hi,
      I read this article today and had to smile. it reminds me so much of a sermon that I heard from Joyce Meyer titled Do It Afraid. The advice is so timely and so true. There are many times when we are led by the Holy Spirit to do something and we have no idea how we are going to do it. In fact, I think the bigger the project, the more you depend on God. Every man or woman that has moved in God's timing had or has been given responsibilities that were or are greater than they were or are. And like your guest writer has said, none of them wanted to show up. But it is the showing up even when you're scared that confirms your faith in the living God. What does it say in Hebrews 11:6, without faith, it is impossible to please God, for those of us who come to him must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. So, showing up is practicing faith and God will never let us down. He shows up and meets us when we go out there.
      Thank you once more for this inspiring article that encourages me to keep showing up.
      Shalom,
      Patricia

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    5. Pat, I'm delighted to make you smile! Your comment focused my post nicely and made me think deeper on it. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. Yes, show up! :)

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    6. Hi Patricia,
      I always appreciate your thoughtful comments. I like your point that "showing up" is practicing faith! :)
      Love you, Friend,
      Peggi

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  2. Shel, the part on which you commented was my earthquake moment. When I read-- and really got-- that Jesus would have rather done things differently. "Not my will, but Thine be done," was when I gave myself permission to show up scared. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.

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  3. Xerxeska, thanks for reading my post and taking the time to share your perspective. I'm thankful God knows all and yet allows us to chose. Peggi, I appreciate the opportunity to be a guest on your blog! :)

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