Oh boy.  This had all the makings of a real disaster.  These were not professionals but ordinary people who had volunteered to perform for a company sponsored talent show to raise money for a charitable cause.  One by one these volunteers were called up to perform their acts before the audience.

One of the participants stood before the crowd to sing a selection.  The song started shaky at best and as it progressed it was really clear that the singer was struggling to find the right notes.  This was headed for a painful ending.

All of a sudden, as if on some known clue, you could actually sense the collective push of the audience as they began to spur the singer on.  The audience nodded, swayed, raised their hands and cheered encouragement as if the performer was their best friend.  They wanted the singer to not only make it through the song, but they were saying “we know you can do it and we are here supporting you”.  That transformed a sure disaster into a beautiful learning experience.

This reminded me of a truth that all of us should remember; people are rooting for our success.  Just like that challenged singer, they are rooting for you and me even when we are way off key.  They are nodding in agreement saying to us “yes you can”.  They are swaying to our rhythm encouraging us to not stop but to keep moving forward.  They are raising their hands in varied ways to show and to say “we’re with you” and cheering encouragements for us to finish strong.

Can’t see or hear them rooting for you and feeling a little unsure of yourself?  Maybe your dreams of ministry seem much bigger than the little faith you have, and the path ahead appears full of obstacles; you can still do it.  “I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:19-21 NIV.  They want you to keep going.

If it seems like you’ve tried this and you’ve tried that and you don’t have much to show for it, don’t give up.   “Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.” Ecclesiastes 11:6, NIV.  They want you to keep going.

If you sense that your opportunities for success are dependant upon others to initiate, validate or stimulate, I’ve got good news for you.  God has said “See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.” Revelation 3:8. NIV.  They want you to keep going.

If you just wish there was someone to hold your hand and walk you through it all, you’ll certainly need this: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.”  “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”  “Even unto the end of the world”  “I am with you.” Psalm 32:8, Jeremiah 33:3 NIV, Matthew 28:20.

So “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD”. Psalm 31:24 NIV.   They want you to keep going. They’re rooting for you!