Ordinary Faithfulness: A Life That Says Come and See

Do you remember that birthday when you felt like you were crossing some kind of invisible threshold? 

For me, that was turning twenty-six. In my heart, a low-grade pressure simmered—the kind that says you’re failing somehow if you haven’t accomplished something “big” by a certain age. Maybe this is a generational thing. Maybe it’s just pride. Either way, the ache was real.

Sure, year twenty-five was sweet. The Lord’s hand and provision had been evident as my husband and I grew in our love for God and one another, served in our local church, and worked diligently to steward well what we had been given. But it was also immensely ordinary. 

When people asked me what I was up to, my answers were always the same. I’d been working, serving at church, cooking dinner, and taking care of my home. It didn’t take long before I started to feel shame whenever I gave this answer. I had no grand talking points. I hadn’t been traveling the world or accumulating noteworthy achievements. The Lord had not yet blessed us with little ones, and my husband and I still lived in the same small apartment as when we were first married.

Life right now is normal. For some reason the thought of this being “all there is” can feel almost startling. But when I take a step back to assess this dread, the Lord uses His Word to whisper a quiet question into my heart.

What’s wrong with a life filled with ordinary faithfulness? 

Andrew the Ordinary Disciple

In my church’s Adult Bible Fellowship, I’ve been listening to my pastor teach through the book of John. One of the figures that’s struck me the most has been the disciple Andrew. 

When you try to name the twelve disciples from memory, Andrew likely isn’t the first one that comes to mind. After all, he wasn’t part of Jesus’ inner circle like James or John. He wasn’t as fiery and bold as his brother, Peter. He isn’t remembered for a specific event like “doubting” Thomas or Judas the betrayer. There’s no spotlight on his ministry and no epic moments that define him. In fact, Andrew is only mentioned twelve times in the entire Bible, and when he’s mentioned in detail, he’s bringing people to Jesus.

Consider Andrew’s role in John 1:35–42:

The next day, John was standing with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”

The two disciples heard him say this and followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and noticed them following him, he asked them, “What are you looking for?”

They said to him, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”

“Come and you’ll see,” he replied. So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon.

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed him. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated “the Christ”), and he brought Simon to Jesus.

Andrew was standing with his rabbi, John the Baptist, when Jesus passed by. At John’s proclamation, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” Andrew immediately left and followed Jesus, spending the rest of the day in His presence. By the time evening rolled around, he sought out his brother and declared, “We have found the Messiah!” Then Andrew “brought Simon to Jesus” (vv. 41–42).

We see this pattern in Andrew’s life again and again. In John 6, it’s Andrew who brought the boy with the loaves and fishes to Jesus, just before the miracle of feeding the five thousand. In John 12:20–22, when some Greeks wanted to see Jesus, Philip turned to Andrew.

Each time, Andrew’s role may appear small, but the Lord chose to include it in the limited pages of Scripture—maybe to remind followers like me and you of what truly matters in the kingdom. 

Bringing People to Jesus Is Not a Waste

When Andrew brought the boy with the loaves and fishes to Jesus, he couldn’t have known what would happen next. He had no idea that Jesus would use that humble offering to feed thousands. He likely wasn’t trying to orchestrate a miracle; he was simply doing what he always did: bringing someone to Jesus.

When we think about that familiar Gospel story, we remember the boy and his five loaves and two fish, but we rarely mention Andrew. More often than not, we forget he was even involved. Why? Because Andrew’s act wasn’t flashy. He didn’t bring people to Jesus because he knew what would happen next or because it would cement him a spot in history. He did it because Jesus was worthy. 

It’s the same for us. We don’t bring people to Jesus because we know what the outcome will be or because it will earn us recognition; we do it because magnifying King Jesus is the work of eternity. And that eternal work often plays out in the most ordinary moments.

Sometimes it’s inviting a coworker to church or praying for a friend who’s hurting. Sometimes it’s choosing gentleness when the world expects anger. It’s raising children to know and love the Lord. It’s sharing your story, not because it’s dramatic but because Jesus is in it. 

These simple acts won’t gain you any followers or earn you a spot in the headlines. When people retell the story, they might forget you were even involved. But these moments are never meant to be an invitation to see us. They are meant to point to Him.

Our calling isn’t to make a name for ourselves or accomplish great things for the sake of our reputation. Our calling is to live a life that says come and see: “Come and see the Messiah, my great Savior, who has brought me from death to life and who can do the same for you.” “Come and see the One who forgives sin, who binds up the brokenhearted, who welcomes the weary and the weak.” “Come and see, not because I have all the answers but because I know the One who does.”

No Platform, No Problem

There is no record in Scripture of a sermon preached by Andrew. He didn’t write any books of the Bible (at least as far as we know). He didn’t walk on water or brandish a sword to protect Jesus. But Andrew found the Messiah; he continually brought people to His presence, and it filled his days with eternal purpose. 

Is the same true of you and me? Are we content to live an ordinary life of faithfulness? If we spent the rest of our days quietly bringing people to our Lord without recognition, could we honestly say we had a life well lived? 

You don’t have to make a name for yourself to live a life that matters. You only have to lift up Jesus. And if your life points to Him—even in the quiet corners of everyday faithfulness—then friend, you’re right where you’re meant to be.

The message of freedom, fullness, and fruitfulness in Christ is spreading far and wide—like a river that cannot be stopped. It’s reaching more women, leading them to thrive in Christ, and shaping lives for generations to come. Would you prayerfully join us in this work? We’d love to send you the 50 Promises to Live By Card Set this month as our thanks for your donation of any amount to help women thrive in Christ. May it be a constant reminder of God’s unchanging care for you.