“JUST SHOW UP!”
About six months before the pandemic, I felt an urgency to start writing encouraging challenges. I didn’t know why until our “normal lives,” and the feeling of isolation hit us. When I started posting scriptural blogs and worship music, the response surprised and blessed me.My years of teaching the Bible and leading worship were rewarding, but I wasn’t prepared for the “likes” and “hearts” of Facebook! I found myself counting the “likes” and comparing the responses. Then, I reminded myself: “Affirmation is encouraging, but not what it’s about–not my motivation.” It’s what God gave me to share. My job is “just show up and faithfully serve.” The results are God’s department.
My parents set the example for me. For over 50 years, they pastored small churches, steadfastly serving with joy and excellence. My dad was the only paid staff, and we all learned to be flexible, serving wherever needed. I remember my dad going to shovel snow, on a Sunday morning, so a widow could make it to church.
“WHATEVER YOU DO, DO IT HEARTILY, AS UNTO THE LORD, NOT FOR MEN, KNOWING THAT FROM THE LORD YOU WILL RECEIVE THE REWARD OF THE INHERITANCE.” (Colossians 3:23)
Two key words: “whatever” and “heartily.” All God asks us to do is be faithful, using the resources He has given us. Every act of service matters–great or small. Even “giving a cup of water to a stranger is like giving it to the Lord.” (see Matthew 25:37-40)Finally, another two words: “discourage” and “encourage:” In our own time of need, reaching out to lift up another, often proves to be the antidote for our own encouragement.
“WHOEVER BRINGS BLESSING WILL BE ENRICHED, AND THE ONE WHO WATERS WILL HIMSELF BE WATERED.” (Proverbs 11:25)Keep serving, all for the glory of Jesus.
Sharon Rose, May 13, 2021 Rose of Sharon 🌹This is a picture of my parents, Pastors Werner and Sarah Nell Bock
