Many years ago, I was having a difficult day with one of my children. They argued with me about the future, worried that they would never achieve something they wanted badly. I tried to repeatedly reassure them that with time, things would work out well, but to their mind, the future was just too far …
Many years ago, I was having a difficult day with one of my children. They argued with me about the future, worried that they would never achieve something they wanted badly. I tried to repeatedly reassure them that with time, things would work out well, but to their mind, the future was just too far away. Their upset affected me deeply.
Then, on a visit to see family, we met a young man there, who had also come to visit with his parents, and he had achieved the very thing my child yearned for. Suddenly, it all clicked, my child saw someone who looked just like them, but with time had achieved what they were hoping for. I watched as all the doubts left their face, replaced by joy and excitement. By just showing up, this young man had achieved for my little one what hours of my explanation and reassurances had not achieved.
I learnt a valuable lesson that day, allow me to share this with you.
Show up! Be present.
You never know whose life you will change. Someone needs to see you, hear your story, see your life, and receive their blessings! Be present, be available, and God will use you for someone.
In the Garden of Eden, we see God calling to the first man, Adam, and Adam hiding. Fear and shame led him to hide (Genesis 3 verses 9 and;10). However, God’s response to Adam and Eve’s nakedness was to clothe them (Genesis 3 verses 21). Even though He was upset with their actions, God still cared deeply for them. We all have our fears; release them to God! We all have done things we are ashamed of, but please do not let these hold you back; forgive yourself!
Following the resurrection, Mary Magdalene became the first person to see the risen Christ (Mark 16 verse 9). She had a history that followed her throughout the gospels. She had been possessed by seven demons! But Jesus had healed her, and she refused to hide because of her past. Her shame was now her testimony. She chose to serve Jesus, in His life and in His death. And though no one believed her witness initially, she was chosen to be the first witness of the Risen Christ!
You see Mary Magdalene chose to be present. In John 20 verse 1, we read that she went early to the tomb of Christ, while it was still dark. She turned up, when others didn’t and God chose to use her for His glory.
Many years later, I saw the young man again, the one who, without him even knowing, had been a blessing to my family that day, and the memory of that day came rushing back.
I pray for him, for myself and for us all that we will continue to chose not to hide, but to show up and be present for God to use us, our presence and our testimonies, as a blessing to someone’s life. Amen.
Louisa Egbe
