July 31, 2009

Keep Showing Up

Written by Boyd Bailey

Keep Showing Up… “For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity”. Proverbs 24:16
Do you struggle with the stamina to keep showing up at work or working with relationships? Do you ask yourself if it is really worth it, and will things ever change? I struggle with this and wonder if I am in God’s will. Sometimes I pause and ponder the thought of moving on from the mess that is before me. But, if Christ has called me to this mission, then I am compelled to complete the task. I show up because this is my Savior’s expectation.

You keep showing up and you remain faithful because your Heavenly Father never promised that this life would be without problems and challenges. “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all” (Psalm 34:19). The cares of this world will try to choke out His word from your heart, but you learn to process pressure with prayer. This is your relief valve that vents frustrations to your Father in heaven. Don’t lie down in self-pity. Instead, reach out to the Lord and let Him lift you up.

We will fall down and scrape our soul, bruise our pride and arouse our anger. However, what makes a disciple of Christ is the determination to remain faithful. Keep showing up when others let you down. Keep showing up when your finances fade. Keep showing up when you are treated unfairly. Keep showing up when you are sad and uncertain. Keep showing up and God’s grace will break in and overcome you with peace. He blesses righteous resilience.

Rise from your fall into sin and face your Savior with remorse and repentance. Rise from your fall from the sin of others and face your enemies with forgiveness and grace. Rise from your financial free fall and face life with faith and generosity. Jesus showed up for you on the old rugged cross in middle of His injustice and brokenness. He still shows up ever interceding on your behalf. “Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword” (Romans 8:33-35)? Do I regularly thank the Lord for showing up for me? Will I show up on behalf of others?

Related Readings: Psalm 37:24; Micah 7:8-10; Matthew 18:21-22; 2 Corinthians 1:8-10

Transformational Living
What did I learn from the Lord in today’s Bible reading?

How will I respond?


Comments

  1. Boyd, Hi! Remember me from Cherokee Christian!?
    This is so good. Exactly where I am really. I’m learning life is hard…yes, I’m just now leaning into that truth…it’s hard but that’s ok. Keep doing the next right thing, keep showing up.
    Good word. Love the website and congrats on the books!
    Robin

  2. Chele says:

    Hello! I came here because @RobinRane suggested it on Twitter. I am thankful she did! Your devotion is beautiful! This is something I will be back for! I have to be honest and say that I usually bounce back from falls quickly because I remember these things you’ve said! Thank you!!

  3. admin says:

    Thanks Robin yes Rita and remember you. Hope you and your family are well. Our girls are all grown up. Boyd


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