We visited Oceans Church one Sunday. We’d never been before, so we walked in, found a seat and waited for the service to begin.

The first song started.

“Let it rise…”

I smiled to myself because, well… you know how much those words mean to me.

Then I looked to my left and realised Bobbie Houston was standing just a few feet away.

Now, before you think this is one of those dramatic “God gave me a sign!” stories… it isn’t! 😂 Bobbie doesn’t know who I am. We didn’t even speak.

But for years she’s been someone I’ve admired. Through what she’s built for women — and in my opinion the OG of women’s ministry! She is someone who has inspired me in what I believed women’s ministry could look like.

I looked at my Husband Courtney and just smiled.

Not because I’d seen someone famous.

I just felt encouraged.

It reminded me that sometimes we’re waiting for God to answer us with fireworks, when actually He’s already encouraging us in a hundred small ways.

A worship song. A conversation. A timely Bible verse. A person whose faith reminds us what’s possible.

I wonder how many encouragements we miss because we’re waiting for something bigger?

Maybe you don’t need all the answers today. Maybe you just need enough encouragement to take the next step.

If you’ve been asking, “Lord, am I doing the right thing?” — keep going.

God sees what nobody else sees. He knows the prayers you’ve prayed and the dreams He’s placed in your heart… and here’s the best bit — He’s not finished yet!

I’m cheering you on.

Thank you for being part of this community. Whether you’ve been to every Rise night or you’re reading this for the very first time, I’m so glad you’re here.

Keep looking to Jesus, keep encouraging one another, and keep believing that the best really is ahead.

See you next week.

Love, Beth x