The Power of Showing Up

Two men who showed up

Acts 1:20-26 Peter continued, “This was written in the books of Psalms where it says, ‘Let his home become desolate, with no one living in it.’ It also says, ‘Let someone else take his position.’ “So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus – from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.” So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven. 

  • The criteria used to select a new apostle was that the person had been around for a while (from Jesus’ baptism to resurrection)
  • Two were selected: Justus and Matthias
  • This was the first mention of both men in scripture; we don’t know anything else about them
  • We don’t know what else they did or how they contributed, but we know they found Jesus and kept showing up
  • When you meet Jesus, your life will be forever radically changed and you’ll want to keep showing up to be with him 
  • Sometimes you don’t know what to expect for the future, but it’s important that you be consistent

We never know what God’s plan is or what He has in store,  but if we continue to SHOW UP, anything can happen.

Showing up makes a difference

  • Whether it’s at the gym, school, work, church, or for your family: showing up will bring results
  • You build endurance when you continue to show up
  • We won’t often see immediate changes and results, but over time transformation happens

Showing up creates a habit; habits create patterns; patterns lead to your destiny and reputation

  • Showing up needs to be consistent so that it will become a routine
  • Put systems in place so that you can show up and become the person you want to be
  • Anything can happen when we show up: transformation, opportunities, evidence of God doing incredible things, drawing closer to Jesus
  • We draw closer to Jesus when we show up

Galatians 6:9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 

  • Don’t get wearied and give up; stay the course and eventually you will reap the benefits of doing good

Discussion Questions

  1. Have you ever experienced the power of showing up in your life? What was the outcome?
  2. Who do you want to be? What patterns do you need to develop to become that person?