So last Sunday was unforgettable.  After talking about God’s generosity, and how we can reflect that in our own lives, I asked those who had urgent financial needs (groceries, gas, medication) to stand up.  I didn’t know if anyone would have the courage to stand.  Wow was I wrong.

At each of the three gatherings we had at least one person rise to their feet and let everyone in the room know they were struggling.  That was probably the hardest thing any of them would have to do.  And what happened after that was nothing short of the work of the Holy Spirit.  There was an outpouring of generosity like nothing I’ve ever witnessed before.  Hardly a dry eye in the place.

One gentleman who received that generosity said he couldn’t remember the last time he was able to actually fill up his gas tank…he normally just puts in a couple dollars’ worth.  Another individual shared they had no money, their phone was cut off, and they were ready to throw in the towel.  Most of them were too overwhelmed to even speak.

The phrase I kept hearing from our church was, “I had no idea that this or that person was in such great need!”  People that you see each week, people who sit next to you and worship next to you.

But I keep thinking about the courage it takes to stand.  Because standing means admitting I’ve got a problem.  And we don’t like to admit that, especially when it’s about something as personal as our finances.  I don’t know if I would be able to stand.  (And if you were someone who NEEDED to stand, but didn’t, please contact our church office so we can see if there’s a way we can assist you.)

May I drop some knowledge on you?  Every week you attend Seneca Creek’s gatherings you’re sitting next to people who have unspoken needs.  People who are facing job loss, health crises, parenting problems, marital meltdowns, addiction battles, crushing loneliness, and more.  And in all likelihood, you’re someone who sits silently with unspoken needs, too.

So I’m going to challenge you to take a courageous stand.  Just like those brave individuals who rose to their feet last Sunday and said, “I need financial help,” I urge you to rise from your safe silence and begin to seek out assistance.  Stop putting on a facade of perfection.  Stop worrying what other people will think if they find out you have a need.  If nothing else, you saw last Sunday that this church doesn’t condemn those with needs, we reach out to help.

• It might mean joining a Converge group
• It might mean signing up for a Rooted group
• It might mean seeking out the prayer team after the gathering
• It might mean asking for prayer on the Connection Card
• It might mean stopping by Connection Point to ask about assistance
• It might mean making an appointment with a pastor to get help
• It might mean getting yourself to a recovery meeting
• It might mean signing up for Financial Peace University

But whatever it is, take the next step.  And let the picture of what happened last Sunday be your inspiration and encouragement.

And lest I forget, thank you for modeling generosity last weekend.  It’s truly an honor to be your pastor.

-Pastor Mark