Just show up and see what happens

I have the gift of showing up.

A friend of mine used to say this when we were nervous about what to do on ministry trips, outreaches or just life in general. His point was that by simply showing up and bringing the Spirit of God Who lives IN us, we will be a blessing.

Because I have the Spirit of God inside of me – just showing up makes a difference. My relationship with the Lord is the foundation of everything successful that I do in life. Those “unsuccessful” things in my life – they have a different source.

A gifted leader who I admire once explained his successes to me this way: “It all boils down to three things: attitude, actions and atmosphere.” Then we got to talking about what “atmosphere” means.

He described it as who you surround yourself with…the people. His entire explanation for his success in life – spiritually, relationally and in business – was that he chose to surround himself with good people.

This way, their “goodness” rubbed off on him on an on-going basis. These relationships taught him how to lead more effectively and foster reliable and helpful partnerships in the things he was doing. He attributed his success to relationships.

If you are reading this, I pray that you understand how deeply Dare to Believe Ministries values you and our relationship with you. We are a “tribe” of Jesus followers who put great emphasis on healthy and honoring relationships. We value YOU.

I agree with my friend about the importance of “atmosphere” and the people that I surround myself with. However, I have learned in life that there is something more to a successful atmosphere than people.

I have observed that people who truly succeed in the life God has given them are people who have an appreciation and ability to stay connected to the presence of the Lord.

“Then Moses said, ‘If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place. How will anyone know that you look favorably on me—on me and on your people—if you don’t go with us? For your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the earth.’” – Exodus 33:15 (NLT)

That is our tribe! People who value people and greatly value the presence of the Lord.

There is actual research suggests that “life is contagious.” What you surround yourself with directly affects your victory in life. Data shows that you are really affected by the people you surround yourself with, for better or for worse. That if you want to be growing in life, whether that is spiritually, professionally, in health, or wealth…. the key is to get into community with people who are determined to be healthy in that area as well.

“The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” – Romans 13:12 (NIV)

It is the same principle taught to addicts when they get into recovery: delete the names of your addict friends from your phone and join people who are in recovery. Surround yourself with them.

However, those people are not your savior – Jesus is. Those people are given to you by the Lord to encourage, help, support and love you. But your victory in life is only in the Lord.

So think about any areas of life where you are stuck and apply this principle. If you want to get healthier, ask the Lord to lead you to a healthy group of people who are headed in that direction.

If your marriage is struggling, ask the Lord where you can find a group of people who are actively working on their marriage.

If you are trying to get out of debt, ask the Lord for a group that is learning to steward their finances.

The presence of the Lord and personal improvement are contagious. We all need to get around those who carry the strong presence of the Lord and can influence us with something very good! Then keep at it and continue getting repeatedly influenced with God’s goodness and Godly relationships.

You will never get immune to light and truth if you surround yourself with people who are carrying the presence of God.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” – Matthew 5:16 (NLT)

You and I also have the gift of “just showing up.” Love people with the love of Jesus. Build relationships that are God-honoring and positive. Just showing up by listening to and loving others makes us all stronger.

My prayer for you and for myself is that we will grow in our appreciation and dependence on the presence of God. May the Lord expand our “tribe” to include not only you and me, but lots of presence-carrying, people-loving atmosphere changers! God is good. He is for us.

Let’s change the world!

In Him,
Kristi