You, Me, The Chair Guy, And God

Setting up chairs was a part of every Friday afternoon.

The founder of the ministry was a master at it. She had a way of lining up those chairs perfectly, sideways and from front to back. No one could set up chairs like she could. No one.

But, only the few that were helping on Friday afternoons would know of her secret gift. Everyone else would show up for worship on Saturday night or Sunday morning and have comfortable seats to sit in. She desired each person in attendance to receive nothing less than God’s best for him or her… even with those green chairs in the sanctuary.

Her calling was much bigger than setting up chairs, however. No job was “below her,” and no matter the task, she was about extended Jesus’ love to others. Kind of like “the chair guy” in Come With Me, by Suzie Eller. What’s a chair guy? He or she is the one who, in a variety of ways, serves others. (Ever wonder who sets up the chairs at a concert or at church on Sunday? Yeah, the chair guy.) He or she is a faithful servant, continuing to show up day after day, week after week. Often unknown, unrecognized, and unappreciated.

The chair guy is far from unimportant, however.

Without the chair guy, we’d all have to sit on the floor!

Even so, do you feel like you and the chair guy could sit down over coffee some day and swap stories? Are you feeling what you’re doing is going unnoticed? Wondering if your work is worth it? Are you continuing to show up daily, receiving no recognition, no applause, and not a trace of a thank you?

The chair guy understands. So does my friend who founded the above ministry. And, so do I.

Recently I wanted to quit. I wanted to walk away from writing. I was tired of putting forth effort, and seeing no results. Discouragement grew with a lack of encouragement. I just wanted to know someone, anyone, believed in me. I began to presume no one would miss my words.

Lies the enemy of my soul had been throwing at me grew louder. “You’re no good.” “You have nothing worthwhile to share.” “Other writers are much better than you.” “You’re nothing… you haven’t even finished the book you’ve started.” “Why don’t you quit and save yourself the hassle and heartache of failing.”

Even though the lies spoke loudly, God’s truth hushed them.

In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people. Remember that you will receive your reward from the Lord, which he promised to his people. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 NCV

I was tempted to quit because I was focusing on setting up chairs, and not on Who I was setting them up for.

I had forgotten why I write, and why I began doing so in the first place. God has called me to. I write to serve Jesus, and to encourage others because it nearly spills out of me.

Friend, even if our work is overlooked by others, anything done for Jesus is noticed by Him. It doesn’t matter what recognition we receive or don’t receive here. We have a promised eternal inheritance ahead of us. That’s what really matters. That’s all that matters.

Momma and daddy, keep raising those little ones in the way they should go, according God’s standards. Teacher, press on in your calling, and impact future generations. Employee, continue to bless those around you in the workplace. Student, keep studying, applying what you’re learning, and helping others. Daughter, keep standing up for what’s right and living the way God desires you to. Wife/Husband, persevere in loving your spouse, showing support, and being an awesome teammate. Retiree, continue to serve, love, give, and smile. Writer, don’t you dare give up. You have much to say, and it’s worth saying.

Friend, keep setting up those chairs. God sees what you’re doing, and He’s pleased.

We are all in this together. Setting up one more chair, making a difference in another’s life for Him!

Much love,

Julie

 

 

 

It’s a joy to link this post with Suzie Eller for #livefreeThursday!