Maria lingered in the sanctuary, like she always did. She wasn’t sure why—maybe she just hated the rush of people flooding out, the noise of conversation that felt too fast, too shallow. Or maybe it was the silence she was waiting for, the brief moment when the church was mostly empty, and she could sit without expectation.
She wasn’t in a hurry. But she also wasn’t moving forward.
She liked church. It felt good, familiar. She volunteered when they needed extra hands, showed up for Bible study when her schedule allowed, and prayed before meals. She was doing enough, right?
But lately, something gnawed at her.
It wasn’t conviction—she knew what that felt like. This was different. Subtle. Like a nudge she couldn’t shake.
Across the room, she spotted Ms. Angela, the older woman who led one of the discipleship groups. They had spoken before, but Maria had felt something in her presence. A peace. A steadiness.
The nudge again.
She could ignore it. Get up, walk out, and shake it off like last time. But deep down, she knew. She was standing at the edge of something—something beyond just showing up, beyond just being involved.
Across the room, Angela watched her. She had noticed Maria hanging back before, always looking like she wanted to stay but wasn’t sure if she should.
This time, Angela didn’t wait.
“Maria,” she called, walking over with an easy smile. “Come here a second.”
Maria blinked, startled. “Oh—uh, sure.” She hesitated, but Angela was already motioning her over to a nearby chair.
As Maria sat, heart pounding, Angela sat beside her. “I just wanted to say—I’ve seen how much you’ve helped around here. The way you jump into volunteer, the way you’re always present. That means a lot.”
Maria gave a small shrug. “It’s nothing, really. Just helping out where I can.”
Angela tilted her head. “That’s not nothing.” She smiled. “You serve faithfully, and I can tell you care. But I also see you linger.”
Maria’s breath caught. She didn’t think anyone had noticed.
Angela leaned in a little. “You ever feel like… you’re waiting for something, but you’re not sure what?”
Maria let out a small, nervous laugh. “Yeah. Actually, yeah.”
Angela nodded like she understood. “That feeling? That’s God inviting you into something deeper.”
Maria swallowed. “What does that even mean?”
Angela smiled. “It means you’re not just meant to attend—you’re meant to grow. To be discipled, and eventually, to disciple others.”
Maria frowned. “Yeah, but I’m not exactly… I don’t know. Leader material.” She let out a nervous laugh. “I’m not even sure I read my Bible the right way half the time.”
Angela chuckled. “Who told you you had to be a leader?”
Maria blinked. “I mean… isn’t that what discipleship is? Like, you have to be super spiritual and know all the answers?”
Angela shook her head. “No, honey. Discipleship isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about walking with Jesus while helping someone else do the same. It’s about being teachable. That’s it.”
Maria bit her lip. “I just—I feel like I should have my life together first, you know? Like, how can I help someone else when I don’t even know what I’m doing half the time?”
Angela leaned forward. “Maria, if being ‘put together’ was a requirement, none of us would be here. Look at Peter—he literally walked with Jesus and still got it wrong. Over and over. But Jesus never once said, ‘Come back when you’ve figured it out.’ He just said, ‘Follow me.’”
Maria sighed. “I guess I just don’t want to mess it up.”
Angela smiled. “You will.”
Maria looked up, startled. “Wow, thanks.”
Angela laughed. “You will mess up. But that’s not the point. The point is, you don’t do it alone. Jesus walks with you, and so do the people discipling you. The only way to grow is to start.”
Maria sat with that for a moment. She thought about all the times she’d ignored the nudge, all the excuses—I’m not ready. I don’t have time. I’m not good enough.
But maybe she didn’t have to be ready. Maybe she just had to be willing.
She glanced at Angela. “So… what does starting look like?”
Angela’s smile deepened. “It looks like this. Talking. Asking questions. Letting someone walk with you. We can start there.”
Maria nodded slowly. Still nervous, but lighter somehow. “Okay.”
And just like that, she took her first real step.
Is there anyone that you should discuss these issues with to find hope? Are you ready to disciple a Maria? If so, please click here to sign up as a Small Group Leader and Sync with God will help you mentor those Maria’s in your area of influence.
