The chaplain had the best intentions when he lowered my expectations this morning. He just wanted me to be prepared, to know that what was about to happen to me wasn’t personal. It happens to everyone.
As about a thousand students took their seats in the gym and opened their laptops and books, he told me they would be respectful but wouldn’t listen. Β The students on the basketball court near the stage would listen, he said, but the folks up there in the bleachers? Not so much.
This man oversees spiritual development at Gardner-Webb University. He loves these students – gets animated when he talks about them. He knows them well. He’s been doing this job a while. So this morning’s chapel service wasn’t his first rodeo with these people.
But he was wrong about them. Just plain wrong.
Or, maybe more accurately, he was pleasantly surprised. So was I.
I love surprises
It’s often the case that when I’m tongue-tied or tired or sick or all three, unexpectedly good things happen that can’t possibly be credited to my general awesomeness – because I’m all out of awesome.
It’s often the case that when expectations are low, lofty things happen: Like when students – thought to be bad listeners – sponsored a record number of Compassion kids this morning. A record number for Gardner-Webb!
Mr. Chaplain and I were wrong. Surprise! Maybe God was showing off – You know, just a little reminder that the world (and a gym) is in His hand and that He is the generator of compassion. And for this surprising generosity I’m left with no choice but to say “Thank (only) God.”
I won’t be the only one giving thanks because of what God did through the students of Gardner-Webb University today.
11You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
12This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.Β 13Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.
2 Corinthians 9:11-13
Casey says:
I know what you mean, Shaun. When I’m tired, and generally cranky, those are the moments that God gives me opportunities to witness to my fellow college students. I am always shocked with the words that come out of my mouth because they certainly aren’t mine.
CardsFan says:
All anyone can really say is Praise God!!
Shaun Groves says:
But I need to be reminded.
Michelle says:
That is one fantastic Praise Report! Rejoicing for all of the sponsorships and for God doing His thing and keeping us on our toes.
2 Cor. 9:6-15 is a passage that strikes my heart when it comes to Compassion. I didn’t start sponsorship to reap anything for myself, but I have found numerous blessings in unexpected places. It has been, in a word, AMAZING!
If you’re sick, I hope you get some time for a little R&R. Our family keeps you in our prayers.
Shaun Groves says:
Thanks, Michelle. I’m not SICK but I was very hoarse yesterday. A little better today…but still sounding a little like Robbie Seay…not that that’s a bad thing ; )
Victoria says:
I’m never surprised at how God chooses to work, but always humbled.
Shaun Groves says:
Never?
Maybe you need to speak for a living? ; )
Or maybe I’m just lame.
Lindsay says:
π Loved watching this unfold on Twitter. Praise God!
Heather says:
Thanks for tweeting and giving me the opportunity to pray. I LOVE when God shows up and surprises us! π I know lots of lives will be touched and changed from this day on.
Shaun Groves says:
Thank you for praying!
Judy says:
So AWESOME!!! π
Katie says:
OK, so apparently Twitter is uncool but Blogger isn’t. (Either that or I missed the memo)
If I remember correctly, the final number of childrens’ lives changed by “poor college students” today was 51!!
< Katie
(Merch girl)
Shaun Groves says:
Actually, 53.
Woot!
Deirdre says:
Shaun,
that is very cool.
Please pray for us. I just lost my job of 10 years today. Also I was wondering what the thing is that you belong to instead of insurance. You posted on it quite a while ago…..
Deirdre
Katie says:
English major math… it’s even worse than musician math. And Ben let me play with money. π
Katie
Shaun Groves says:
Here ya go, Deirdre:
http://shaungroves.com/2005/08/better-than-insurance-better-for-everyone/
Hannah says:
Thanks for coming and worshiping with us tonight at Gardner-Webb. It is apparent that you are passionate about serving Christ in all that you do, and that’s awesome! Thanks again for an encouraging night π
-Hannah (announcement girl)
Brianna says:
Thanks for coming out to Boiling Springs! As someone from Nashville, it’s always nice to have others come visit us! π
Ashley Mays Higgins says:
How cool! GWU is my alma mater (graduated in 2007), and I remember when I was there World Vision did a pitch during “dimensions” (chapel). I’m so excited Compassion was able to represent this time and that GWU students stepped up. π
Amy says:
I always stand in awe at the way God chooses to work through His believers. π
Nick Bradshaw says:
That is awesome! I am going to keep praying for you guys! Hey I don’t know if you remember but I met you in Abilene, Texas. I was the person that ran you back and forth to the hotel…lol
Cherish says:
Hi Shaun,
We sat on the back row last night…with our 3 little kids. We live in N.C., and since this blog has been a great encouragement to me, I had hoped to meet you in person and say “thank you.” We left the concert early, though, because the kids were tired. So, here’s my “thank you.” It was great to hear “Come By Here” in person, and I loved standing and singing “Come Thou Fount.” Thanks for pointing us to Jesus!
Deidre says:
“…. he is the generator of Compassion”. I love that. Praise to God!
ali @ an ordinary mom says:
When we’re all out of awesome there’s so much more room for God and His awesomness!!
JessicaBowman says:
I AM impressed if you came here to Georgia and got a spiritual response out of a crowd. Then again, north Georgia is practically a different state than south Georgia. In case you don’t remember from visiting my church. Scary, stark white facilities? π
But since you came a year ago we’re now sponsoring 2 Compassion kids. So I guess you shouldn’t give up on Georgia all together. π Just keep on spreading the word, and being thankful for the ones that respond.
Michael Thompson says:
Keep doing what you do. It is a great thing…
Amy Walker says:
As a GWU alum, this makes my heart very happy!!! God is awesome and it is great when He surprises us all!!!
Lindsey Nobles says:
Amazing…
Josh says:
Man, that’s some wonderful news, indeed!