Amazing things happen when we decide to get up and go. No longer holding ourselves back will set in motion an all-around blessing that brings hope to everyone.
I can’t count how many times I have held back from going somewhere or taking part in an event out of fear or nervousness.
This past year God is really pushing me more and more to get up and go. And this is by no means easy, because I finally taught myself how to comfortably say No without guilt.
God is now pulling me back a bit to remind me that it’s just as important to say Yes in certain situations. There is a plan and we are all here to play a role in it.
God Teaches Us Through Other People’s Experiences
Last month, I reluctantly decided to go to a women’s event at my church after I felt God nudging me to take part. I often decline such events because I feel like I don’t fit in. This is somewhat ridiculous because I have been going to church for 6 years, yet I still find reasons to talk myself out of gathering for special occasions.
When I arrived, 15 minutes late might I add, on purpose, the service wasn’t quite ready to start and everyone was mingling outside. I rolled up to the door with a smile, but honestly felt uncomfortable. Another big crowd, another moment of feeling out of place.
Right when I was able to find my seat and hear the worship music, my emotions took over. I could let go, but wondered why I couldn’t let go earlier and just be myself.
The pastor, who bravely stood on stage sharing her own recent hardships and all that God has taught her about inner strength, said something that reached right to my heart.
“There is a God who loves you the way you are.”
Those words from my pastor were a blessing, because through her, the Lord spoke directly to me.
My lonely thoughts washed away.
He loves me the way I am. I don’t have to fit into the crowd.
I just need to be there when God asks me because He has a purpose and on this particular day it was personal – to show me that I can be myself and that my presence is important. On a different day, He may be asking me to go for a completely different reason.
“Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.”
Mark 4:24 NKJV
If I hold back and shelter myself, my measurement is small and selfish, not allowing for any growth. But if I listen to what God is saying and show up for Him, then the Lord will continue to use me and give me more wisdom along the way.
God Will Use You To Be The Blessing
Many times, we receive blessings from others, like I did at this event.
There are occasions though, when the Lord needs us to be there for someone else. This can be as simple as showing kindness to a stranger, sending a smile someone’s way or asking how their day is going.
The Lord wants you to know here and now, your presence is important, because you are a blessing to others.
My pastor doesn’t yet know what that moment meant to me, but it was a part of God’s plan that day and she was willing to show up for God.
A big part of His plan is being ready to get up and go. Everything that follows will be a blessing.
You Never Know How Showing Up Can Make A Difference
My son, Danny, recently said yes to take part in a worship event, playing piano. This was a commitment because he had never performed a live worship set as a pianist.
On the night of the performance, I was of course proud, but nervous for him. Due to his disability, moving his foot to hit the pedal is not easy. I saw him struggle here and there throughout the performance, but he never gave up. He just kept on playing as his foot tried to keep up with the pace.
After the performance, a friend from church made it on stage to speak to Danny. It was obviously a heartfelt conversation.
That friend later told me how much of a blessing it was to see Danny up there and that if Danny could do it and keep going in life, that he could also continue in life.
Wow! This was moving. He didn’t have to share this deep emotion with either me or Danny, yet he let his guard down and shared it with us. This was an all-around blessing.
You never know what blessings are coming your way or how you, yourself, can inspire someone else.
I believe that if we are willing to be more open and show up for God, He will use us, just the way we are, to help others.
Simple Ways To Be A Blessing
This week I am challenging myself to get up and go. I definitely have a few things I know God is asking me to do and the time is now.
Each of these situations below might seem so simple, yet they can make such a difference for others and also for you. Try one this week. God will use us if we are open to His guidance.
- That friend that always crosses your mind, call them.
- When you would rather not go to church, get ready earlier.
- Send a smile in the direction of someone who needs it.
- Ask your co-worker if they could use any help.
- The event you always talk yourself out of, Go.
Hope this article finds you well. Comment below if you have anything to share about how God has blessed you or used you as a blessing. I love to hear from my readers. Thank you all so much. Check out Dedicated To Jesus on Pinterest and share.
