I looked at the clock, again. I must have done it a half dozen times in the hour. It was just turning to 2 am. I’d been tossing and turning, thinking and stewing about a message I was preparing for an upcoming women’s event for our church. Finally, I just flipped over on my elbows and said “Lord? This is yours. I’ve prayed, I’ve read your Word, I’ve studied, and yet I still feel scrambled. I’m going to expect you to show up for us, because I know that’s what you do. So I leave this with you for now and in the morning, I’m sure I’ll know. Thank you for being with me, for never failing me.” And with that, I laid still and it was settled. Sure enough, in the morning everything came together. I bowed my head in tears and praised Him.
I leaned back in the office chair and spun myself around to look out into the northern skies – that beautiful view from the balcony – and thought back to a sweet time when my dad and I were sharing in God’s Word. What a treasure to just sit at the table with him, our Bibles open and he begins to pour out a lifetime of learned treasures. Here was one that came to mind as I reflected on my restless night and answered prayer. It’s a Greek word – pleroo. It means to “make full; to complete”. Isn’t that beautiful? Here’s the Scripture found in Ephesians 3:14-21 “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being (I love that part), so that Christ may dwell (be at home in) in your hearts through faith – that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, (here we go) and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, you may be filled (pleroo) with all the fullness of God.” Pleroo: maximum fill.
Five days later I made my way to the venue where our event would take place. Women of Grace presents The Perfect Blend. There I would share the stage with some incredible talent. None of us professionals, but in my opinion you would never guess that. Our lead singer, Michelle Couzins, a pre-school teacher. spearheaded the music team. This would be her first time. Our pastor’s wife Kimberly Scott, who had spoken a zillion times, yet still considers herself a missionary’s kid, a preacher’s wife and an all-star mom. Our Youth Director, Judy Farrell, retired military and one talented beauty; this was her first speaking event. And, the adorable, firecracker of a wife to our Creative Arts Pastor with powerful voice, Taryn Woltjer. Well, wouldn’t you know they all experienced at least one of those tossing and turning nights. But God showed up. Pleroo. Forever He is faithful. This is His gig and He’s in charge of moving it forward.I
It reminds me of the amazing story about the little boy with just two fishes and five loaves. He showed up, too. He gave his all and “the love of Christ surpassed knowledge with all the fullness of God”. Because that’s what He does. God shows up. I show up – give Him what I’ve got to give and He takes it and multiplies it all.
You know, if you lack faith, you’re probably not showing up enough. Just try it. Just show up with your unfinished message, with your fear of performance, with your frustrations of preparations and scrambled thoughts. You present your two fishes and five loves and He feeds the thousands. You believe more, and you get the blessing. It’s amazing, because He’s amazing. Just show up. He’ll take care of everything else.
