I walked in and Bob excitedly said “sit down you’ve got to see this,”as he put the video cassette in the player. He continued to talk, telling me “Troy these guys are going to be huge, they’ll be the next big band.” The band was U2. The concert was at Red Rocks, and Bob was right. They have become 1 of the biggest bands in history.
The concert almost never happened because of bad weather. It was rainy and cold. The rain stopped, just 2 hours before the concert started. Wires sat in standing water on the stage, causing fear of electrocution. It was so cold you could see the breath of the band while they played. Both opening bands canceled, because of the bad weather.
Only half of the 9000 who bought tickets even came, because most thought the concert was cancelled. In spite of all this, Bono and the band refused to cancel, and urged fans on the radio to “come out” because they were still having the concert. Bono even served coffee to early concert goers as they waited in the cold.
Rolling Stones magazine called it, one of the “50 Moments that Changed the History of Rock and Roll.” All because U2 decided to show up despite all the obstacles. It made me think of other’s stories who showed up.
The woman with the issue of blood for 12 years, who braved embarrassment, and the possibility of never being healed, but still showed up to touch Jesus.
The paralytic who was lowered through the roof by his 4 friends because they couldn’t get in the door to reach Jesus.
Showing up requires sacrifice.Think of the 4 who carried their friend to Jesus. They all sacrificed, by giving their time and effort to get their friend to Jesus. When the front door didn’t work they carried him to the rooftop and lowered him in.
Showing up, may not work. Despite obstacles and the possibility of not working, the woman, the 4, and U2 all showed up. Because they showed up, the possibility turned into an opportunity to work.
Practical Takeaways:
Don’t discount your presence, someone needs your encouragement this week.
Pray for vision to see opportunities of where to show up and serve others.
Power is released when you show up, the improbable becomes possible, and the possible becomes an opportunity to become reality.