Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.

John 14:21

“I will show myself to them.“

How does Jesus show himself to the one who obeys him as an act of love?

Honestly, there are as many ways as there are scenarios in a single day of your life. I’ll share one of the main ways Jesus began showing himself to me when I set my heart to love him through obedience.

One day the Lord filled me a desire to volunteer teach a Sunday School class of six-year-olds. I had never taught anyone anything! The very idea was intimidating, but I went with it. The desperate pastor gladly dropped all the materials in my arms. The minute I opened them up, my mind filled with ideas of how to implement the first lesson. Where did THAT come from? I marveled.

That was Jesus, showing Himself as I responded to Him. I had a blast, the kids loved it, and I was amazed.

Another time happened when I needed to earn extra money. The only viable job available in my smallish coastal town was selling, writing and laying out advertising for our local newspaper. I normally HATED selling. I had never written advertisements, and definitely had never laid out ads (which in the pre-digital age consisted of making a physical mock-up using thin black tape, cutting and pasting graphics and typed words).

I would have never applied for that job, but the Lord clearly said to my spirit, “Go interview for that.”

I did, but honestly, I figured it was just a test of obedience. I was certain they would never hire someone with a complete lack of experience.

They hired me on the spot.

I was sure I would have trouble selling ads, since I didn’t like selling. I sold plenty ads, with ease.

After about 30 minutes of instruction, I was left to figure out how to lay out the ads. I turned them in, uncertain if they would pass muster. The editor asked, “Are you sure you’ve never done this before? These are great!” I marveled.

That was Jesus showing himself, providing the ability to do what he gave me to do. This story has been repeated through one obedience after another, as the Lord led me to teach an adult Sunday School class. Then to start a women’s ministry group. Then to lead women’s retreats. Then do public speaking. Then writing curriculum for spiritual growth seminars, and ultimately to writing books.

In every case, Jesus revealed his presence in and with me — giving me insight, wisdom, and skill to do the work he gave me to do. Because every instance built courage in me to face the next thing He might ask of me, it became easier to say yes, without fear of failure.

When I think of these times, I feel a kinship with the first disciples who walked with Jesus — those common fishermen who had never done the work he sent them to do:

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Luke 9:1-2

He gave them power … that is, dunamis, a Greek word that means ability, power and strength. Whatever he sent them to do, he equipped them to do.

…and authority, the Greek word exousia, which means the authority, jurisdiction, or right to do a thing. Think of it as permission to do what you are sent to do. In other words, it is entirely appropriate for you to do that.

Before I knew I could, Jesus gave me the ability and authority to teach. The inspiration and ability to do a thing you normally wouldn’t or couldn’t do, to do anything beyond your own normal ability, is Jesus showing himself to you.

In the best ways, Jesus reveals himself in supporting you.

He says, in essence, I am here. I will fill your heart and mind with the right ideas and understanding. I will even guide your hands in what you do.

He did the same thing in Moses’ day after commanding him to build the incredible Tabernacle. Moses said to the Israelites then:

See, the Lord has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills — to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic crafts. And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers …

Exodus 35:30 – 36:1

Don’t brush this off as an extraordinary provision for God’s special project, and unlikely to happen to you. In their case, Moses announced ahead of time that God would give them ability.

In my case, big announcements guaranteeing success never came, and these were no monumental desert assignments.

I have been one ordinary lady in one little town and church and ministry, just wanting to love God. When assignments came, I said yes as a way to show Jesus that I loved him, not out of any big faith that I could actually do the stuff!

In fact, in the beginning there was often a secret hope on my part that, like Abraham, if I said yes (and passed the obedience test), God would provide a way out, and save me from actually having to do the deed. But Jesus wasn’t going to pass up any opportunity to reveal himself and reward my obedience. That’s just the way He is.

Obeying the Lord more often than not comes with surprises and delights. Jesus simply and faithfully shows up, guides me in what to do, and does it so quietly and gently it feels like its all me. Except I know me. He works alongside me. He reveals his heart to not only honor my obedience, but to build our relationship and my confidence in him.

You might be thinking, “Aren’t these just examples of discovering the talents that God put in you when you were born?” Maybe. But here’s my response, borrowed from the Apostle Paul:

God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being.

Galatians 1:15-16

When Jesus was revealed in Paul, the result was an ability to do what he had never done before. Up till Paul encountered Jesus, his whole life had been built upon being the best Jew ever. That was his chosen skill and talent, and he knew nothing of relating to Gentiles.

Whether exercising your gift or simply obeying him in the little things of life, Jesus reveals himself in real skill when you need it.