40 Faces, 40 Places: A Devotional JourneySample

Ennette from Nottingham

Sometimes whole-life discipleship looks like making space for others to connect to God.

My dream was to start my own small business, and now I run a company applying the exercises and principles of yoga with a clear Christian ethos.

I assumed I’d be around girls like me who loved Jesus, but to my surprise, many customers were non-Christian. It just opened my eyes to the simple truth that no matter who you are and what you think, we all wrestle with the same big life problems and questions. We are all seeking a little more peace, longing for more love, and desperate to see a little more grace in our day-to-day lives. We want that grace to make a significant and meaningful impact in our ordinary everyday.

It’s a real privilege to provide a safe space for people to come and connect back to God during their week outside of a church context. It’s been so humbling to have someone be willing to engage with faith and hopefully encounter the Holy Spirit in a class with me on a Wednesday, when they might not think to, want to, or feel comfortable in a church service on a Sunday.

I feel God at work when I can encourage someone, inspire them, or change their perspective. Whatever it may be, whether a post online, a class I teach, or an article I write, it’s just incredible to be a conduit for grace.

Reflection

Ennette recognizes that going to church isn’t in the cards for some people, but she knows God works through His people in all places to minister his grace, love, and truth to them – like in her Christian yoga classes.

She also recognizes many people look to practices like yoga for solace, peace, and encouragement amid the stress of their lives. Instead of judging them, she meets them where they are – and gently directs their desire for something more toward Jesus.

You might not run a yoga class, but where are you already making space for others to connect to God? Perhaps by opening your home, holding a kind conversation, or helping them with stressful tasks so they can find time for rest?

Prayer

Lord, thank You that You are close by and ready to meet us in many places – not just in church. Please show me how I can help others connect with You on my frontline today, whether through my words and actions or by helping them find time to reflect and pray. Help me not judge the ways others look for solace but instead meet them where they are with Your grace and love.