It’s There If We’re Paying Attention

Here’s what I noticed in the last few days, just in the church and community where I preach. I’m sure it’s not just happening here.

• A new Christian calling on a weekday to ask doctrinal questions to better answer people she’s sharing the gospel with.
• A Christian woman facing horrible prospects humbly trusting God’s will as she faces the future.
• A Christian quietly helping an elderly Christian woman, getting her groceries and to her doctor’s appointments (they’re not related, though they are neighbors).
• An eldership showing tender affection and taking much time to unselfishly help a brother in Christ, providing him wise and helpful counsel.
• A sizable group of Christians getting together for an “optional” Bible study at the building on a weekday.
• A quiet, teenage young man delivering an excellent devotional despite being extremely nervous doing his first lesson.
• A brand new Christian helping interpret in a Bible study with an elderly woman who cannot speak English.
• A Christian teen young woman helping get her boyfriend into a Bible study.
• A small group of Christian men, including deacons, pouring much time and attention into a growing young adult Bible study.
• A Christian woman using her considerable artistic skills to help the congregation do some advertising for a big, upcoming event.
• Several of our church members showing up to support a gospel meeting in the neighboring county.
• A woman not yet a Christian driving to the building to donate several Bibles for our missionary in South Africa (along with several members who did so).
• A deacon who successfully persuaded a coworker in town for the week to come to mid-week Bible class.
• Some of our teenagers meeting at a local coffee shop for a group Bible study.

I’m frustrated to bring that list to a close, but I do so certain that I have overlooked several more, similar situations. Here’s the thing. If I were to do this every week, I would be able to produce an equally impressive list. Why? Because God’s people are the best people in the world! Perfect? Far from it! Persevering? In so many cases!

It lifted my spirits to spend a few moments reflecting on the good I’m seeing in the local church. Why not take a moment to focus your gaze in that direction? You’ll be surprised at the good you find. You don’t need to be the preacher to uncover all these secrets. Just plug in and tune in.

“Your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you” (Matt. 6:4,6,18)!