April 12, 2022
Just Show Up
Suzanne Eller
Today’s Truth
“But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” The LORD said to him, “I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man” (Judges 6:15-16 NLT).
Friend to Friend
The first few times I sensed God asking me to do something out of my comfort zone, I wrestled.
I had some confidence, sort of.
Enough to get by, maybe.
Okay, not even close.
I weighed what I could do, what I did have, and what I might bring to the table. Those attributes were then outweighed as I listed what I didn’t know, what I didn’t have, and what someone else might do better.
In the book of Judges, Gideon seems to be doing the same.
His people have been under siege by the Midianites for a very long time. He’s hanging out under a tree when an angel of the Lord approaches him. The angel informs Gideon that he indeed is a warrior in God’s eyes, and that God will use him as such.
“But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” The LORD said to him, “I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man” (Judges 6:15-16 NLT).
Gideon lays it all out there, but then he steps into obedience. He isn’t 100% sure of what to do. He doesn’t know how this will all play out. What Gideon learned is that God wasn’t taking inventory of his weaknesses and strengths. He wasn’t asking him to do all the work. Instead, God was asking Gideon to trust Him.
A friend once told me, “Suzie, showing up is half the battle.”
I believe that. When God asks us to trust Him, He’s not asking us to place our confidence in our family history, our experience, or even our talents. Instead, He’s inviting us to partner with Him. That’s where our confidence is birthed.
As we say yes to God, our first step is to show up. We admit that we aren’t certain of what’s going to happen, but we’re open to the adventure. We understand we might fall on our face, but that we’re also going to learn. We might not do it perfectly the first time (or ever) but opening our heart to trust God is faith in action.
Have you sensed God asking you to step out of your comfort zone in your calling, in a relationship, in community? Rather than list all the pros and cons, wave your hand in the air and say yes to God. Rather than telling God all the things you are not, remind yourself of all the things God is. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see the possibilities, rather than the obstacles.
As you step into new and unfamiliar territory, it won’t be easy, but it will be an adventure of faith. There will be things you already know, and ten more things that you don’t, and both are okay. God sees your obedience and that’s beautiful.
Let’s Pray
God, I’m putting down all my pros and cons to simply say yes to You. I don’t know what this trust walk will entail, but I say yes and I will show up. Thank You for inviting me to partner with You in this adventure of faith, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Are you ready to exchange your list of “I can’t do this” for “Let’s see what God can do?”
If you’ve been mentally rehearsing the pros and cons of your own attributes, exchange that for a different list. Write down a list of God’s attributes. Circle those that will help you as you take a step of faith. Thank Him for each one.
More from the Girlfriends
Suzie also offers a free downloadable chapter-by-chapter study of her book, “Come With Me,” which includes videos, graphics, and discussion starters. This is a powerful free resource for your personal or group study.
© 2022 by Suzanne Eller. All rights reserved.
Originally published Tuesday, 12 April 2022.
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