Flat Tires, Fevers and Faith

We missed church last Sunday and so I was determined to make it today, the entire family in tow. Spoiler Alert: it didn’t happen. Have you ever had that happen? You make a plan to show up and to be disciplined and intentional and it falls through? If you’re like me, you can be bent towards beating yourself up and wallowing in shame or condemnation when you feel like you aren’t measuring up to expectations placed on you by yourself or others. If you can relate, then pull up a seat. Here are 2 things today reminded me of that I want you to save for the next time you’re feeling this way.

#1 Faith is formed in the fire, not just in the pew

We had a kid with a fever, my car had a flat tire and my husband had worked 48 straight with zero sleep. This Sunday wasn’t going to look like everyone going to church together. If I’m honest, in this season, everyone going to church together feels more like a win than an every week occurrence. We may not have all been at church (only I went) but my husband and I had a great heart to heart with one of our kids about God, then that opened the door to conversation about our mission and vision as parents and a check-in on how it was going. Those conversations led to intentional time praying while getting ready. I may have arrived late to church but God was with my family all morning.

God speaks in homes and families even in chaotic seasons/days if we will tune our ears to hear Him. We need the community and unity church provides, but seeking God should be happening regardless of if we haven’t been to church in a month of Sundays (or whatever the expression says) because some seasons are hard to be disciplined in weekly attendance at church, but should never be lacking in daily communion with Christ.

Scripture (CSB):

“He did this so that they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being.”
— Acts 17:27–28

#2 Disruptions can’t derail God’s presence even when it disrupts our plans

God’s presence is no longer bound to a building or physical location, instead he has moved into the hearts of man. Before Christ, God’s presence dwelled in the temple, separated from the people by a veil that only the high priest could pass through. But when Jesus died, that veil was torn from top to bottom, signaling that access to God was no longer limited to a place, a building, or a select few. Through Christ, God now dwells with His people and within His people by His Spirit. His presence is no longer confined to a temple made by human hands, but carried into homes, families, and everyday life by those who belong to Him.

Plan to be at church. Plan to gather and to be deeply rooted in a local body of believers, but don’t walk in shame and condemnation when those plans get disrupted. Pray and ask God for help in this season. Phone a friend if needed—but don’t you dare give in to shame. Missing a few Sundays can affect you, yes, but surrendering to shame will do far more damage in the long run.

God’s presence isn’t derailed when your plans get disrupted. Shame will try to convince you otherwise—it will tell you that because you missed church, you’re distant from God or somehow less faithful. But that isn’t true. God does not pull away from His children when life gets heavy; He draws near. Scripture reminds us that when we draw near to Him, He draws near to us, and He is especially close to the brokenhearted. God isn’t waiting for perfect follow-through—He is present, attentive, and faithful right in the middle of disrupted plans.

Scripture (CSB):

James 4:8

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”

Psalm 34:18

“The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit.”

Matthew 28:20

“And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

The gathering of believers matters. Scripture is clear that we are meant to worship together, encourage one another, and be rooted in a local body of faith. Church isn’t optional—it’s a gift. But shame doesn’t get the final say when life disrupts our plans. God is not distant when you miss a Sunday, and He is not measuring your faithfulness by perfect consistency. He invites you to keep showing up, keep seeking Him, and keep returning—without condemnation. Grace leads us back to community, not shame.