Just Show Up: How Small Acts of Faithfulness Change Everything

by Drew Dyck

If someone puts one more thing on my shoulders, I might collapse. Bestselling self-help book titles tell you that you’re brilliant, awesome, powerful—usually with an expletive thrown in, just to pound home the point. Do these affirmations feel accurate? Instead of blasting through projects and conquering the world, most of us feel like we’re crawling uphill. But Christians are still called to live a life that glorifies God and blesses others. How do we do that when we’re stretched to capacity? Just Show Up answers that question with a liberating God doesn’t expect you to do everything. And He certainly doesn’t expect you to do it all overnight. Simply showing up is often the most important thing. This book looks at present-day examples and also stories from Scripture of imperfect people used by God. Moses, by his own admission, wasn’t very eloquent, but he showed up and God used him to liberate and lead His people. We name churches and children after the disciples. But originally, they were just a bunch of uneducated nobodies with one thing in when Jesus said, “Follow me,” they showed up. With humor and candor, Dyck reflects on his own faltering progress while recounting inspiring stories of how God rewards the persistent presence of ordinary people. Just Show Up challenges readers to show up for God, family, community, and themselves. We tend to think it’s the big, bold moments that matter. In reality, it’s the steady accumulation of small acts of obedience to God that add up to a life of meaning and impact. –Dyck

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Faith

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[DT · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be honest. I did not have high expectations for this book because the premise just seemed too simple. It turned out to be exactly what I needed for the start of 2024.

Drew’s writing style is so inviting. I had to force myself to stop reading and do more productive things around the house. I ended up finishing the whole book in one day.

Drew uses personal anecdotes and stories from Scripture to strengthen his points. If you follow Drew on Twitter, you’ll especially enjoy the book as he uses the same tone and humour here.

This book is perfect for anyone who feels like they’re not “doing enough” with their life or is overwhelmed by all that they’ve signed up for.

[Sommer Wilkerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right book at the right time maybe. Perfect length. Simple, to the point, timeless truths.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will encourage the Christian towards faithfulness in the small things, and will convict you about habits of escapism.

[Jacob O'connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Plodding leads to prevailing"

This is the one idea from this book I can't stop thinking about. When you're young everything is a race. You're the hero. Culture only encourages this. "Army of one". "You deserve it". "Build your platform". Everything is about navel-gazing and self-aggrandizement, and the church is not exempt.

Then why am I exhausted? Why am I so far behind? How come the world is unimpressed? Well, maybe Drew Dyck is on to something. Very good read.

[Jlnelso · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a refreshing message.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The Christian life is a marathon where you win just by finishing. Where you keep stumbling after Jesus when all your heroes are gone. Where you grab hold of God and refuse to let go.’

Drew helps you run that marathon by applying his Biblical wisdom, relatable stories, and humorous anecdotes to the daily ways that you can show up.

[Luke Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

The concept of just showing up is relieving as an older member of Gen Z, who only remembers the 21st century. In today’s world we are told we need to be extraordinary to have meaning, and this book reminds us who we are in Christ and just how much meaning is in the ordinary. Growing up we always heard the opposite from society.

The book starts off strong, and lost its excitement as it continued. I took the most away from the first few chapters personally, but enjoyed it overall. I would certainly recommend it to others.

[Heather Voelz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book. Nice reminder that slow and steady wins the race.

[Dave Hallahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As i transition between jobs, this book was a great reminder that I don’t need all the answers. I just need to show up and continue to be faithful to where God has me right now.

[Chrys Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! Drew writes honestly, humbly, and clearly. His illustrations and examples really hit home with me, and I think numerous readers will benefit from this book! Read the book and share it with someone! Just showing up is a powerful start and small act that can change your life and the lives of others.

Bring a pen, too! You’re gonna need it! Mark it up, reread, and apply it to your life!!

[Martha-Grace McLean]

Read this after feeling inspired by listening to the author at an event. The chapter about being an escape artist really resonated with me. Oh how I love saying no to plans. “Maybe escapism reveals a sickness in our souls that we have been neglecting. Escapism takes you out of the world; healthy habits drive you more deeply into it.” This book was giving Christian version of atomic habits and I was into it

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but powerfully insightful book about how faithfulness in the small things matters and how your presence has a bigger impact than you know. I would highly recommend this book to parents, pastors, and people who are feeling burnt out and discouraged. The best book I've read this year!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly didn't expect much from this book, particularly after it arrived in the mail. Especially after I saw the word Christian in the sub sub heading. I was thinking it would be preachy and trite.Instead it is insightful and realistic. Lots of great quotes and ideas that are particularly on point for my current situation. I am putting it on my shelf for future reference.

[Rob Malony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like practical application & encouragement. This has provided me both.

[Kymberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring book that so encouraged in my walk of faith and to live it out at work.

[Michael Bergman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drew Dyck's Just Show Up is a short book but packed with much that offers both grace and challenge in the Christian life. Dyck's style is personable and relatable. The stories and advice he shares are humorous, poignant, and challenging. This is especially true as he writes about parenthood from the lense of being a father to young children (same is true for my life).

Just Show Up convicted me to examine my life. Too often, I turn to distractions and mindless activities instead of focusing on Jesus and the people he has placed in my life and home. But instead of leaving me to wallow in guilt, Dyck's refreshing tone encourages me to make the steps and just show up.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book read by the author. A few little nuggets and almost a devotional like read. Quick read. I liked it.

[John Herrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is worth several rereads.

[John Cornish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book full of reminders that our call as believers is not to single-handedly change the world, but to live faithful lives where we endeavor to show up for those around us. I found that each chapter contained grace-filled, poignant reminders of what is and is not our calling in life.

[Joel Rockey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heard about Just Show Up while listening to the 'Leading in the Gospel' podcast. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was blown away. The book is not only accessible and enjoyable to read but also deeply impactful. Chapters like 'Practice Incarnation' and 'Don’t Be an Escape Artist' were especially helpful and convicting on a personal level. I'll definitely be recommending this book often!

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy Drew’s perspectives- he’s funny and sarcastic in a kind way, and I love his stories about his wife, Grace, their kids, and general family life. This book is written in that same style, and it is for the anybody believer. I think everything he addresses here happens to believers at some point or another, and this book offers an encouragement to do the small things. One will definitely find something to apply immediately. This is a great and accessible book that should be on church shelves-easy to read, serious in its content, and easy to apply. Read it, smile at times, and be encouraged to “Just Show Up.”

[Zak Schmoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book because I think that we can all feel like everything depends on us. We feel like we have to do something huge for the kingdom of God for it to even matter. However, the reality is that sometimes we just need to show up. First, that is liberating because sometimes that is the best we can do. Second, it is empowering because God does amazing things through people who just show up. Third, sometimes you showing up encourages someone else in some other amazing endeavor. This book shares even more reasons why just showing up matters. This book handles a lot of difficult topics in a lighthearted, friendly tone as well which makes it a very easy read. I enjoyed it.

[Beth Hawks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy Drew's writing because he is honest and transparent and writes about things that matter. I have bought three more copies of this book to give away to friends that I think will be encouraged by it.

[aiza · Rating 4 out of 5]

While Drew still maintains his signature humor, he also explores important questions about life, faithfulness, and living out what Christ followers believe to be true.
In the midst of all the funny anecdotes, the weighty content of this book resonates in a way that sets it apart from the author's previous work, "Your Future Self Will Thank You: Secrets to Self-Control from the Bible and Brain Science. A Guide for Sinners, Quitters, and Procrastinators." I aspire to achieve a writing style that is just as accessible as Drew's. He effortlessly shares his story as if he were having a casual conversation with a close friend. It feels like sitting across from him, enjoying a warm cup of tea or coffee, engaged in a pleasant catch-up. This book is refreshingly honest, filled with wisdom from both Drew and other saints in the Lord, and infused with the gospel. It's a great read.

This book is not for those who are lazy and slothful, seeking an easy way out. Instead, it is for those who strive for excellence, perfectionism, and overachieving (or at least attempt to), but often find themselves overwhelmed by their limitations. It's like a breath of fresh air, filled with grace and mercy, offering encouragement for weary souls. Drew understands that perfection is not the ultimate goal and that imperfections do not signify the end of the world. Faithfulness and showing up matter so much more, especially during difficult times.

Towards the end of the book, Drew addresses a possible concern about advocating for the bare minimum. This is a question I also have. It may seem as though this book encourages people to do the least, and I'm seeking a balance that still encourages us to strive for our very best despite the challenges. I'm looking for something that echoes Paul's encouragement for Christians to exercise discipline, self-control, and train themselves for godliness, aiming for a higher standard. But perhaps this is a topic that Drew might explore in a future book, or maybe it's a story for another day

[Rob O'Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drew Dyck masterfully returns with a book for the rest of us in Just Show Up. By “rest of us,” I mean the average Christian – overworked, tired, rattled, just barely hanging on. Or, as Dyck says, “exhausted Christians.” It is a reality that we all feel but are unwilling, uncomfortable or unable to admit.

In many ways, reading Just Show Up reminded me of Ortberg’s book on spiritual disciplines, The Life You’ve Always Wanted. Ortberg’s subtitle about this being for everyone else indicated that one need not spend 5 hours a day locked in a prayer closet or read the entire Bible in one sitting every day or fast eight days a week. Praying simply to speak with God for a few minutes is enough. Reading a chapter a day is enough. Fasting for a meal is enough. The point, Ortberg argued, is to engage the practice.

Dyck offers a similar message, even offering chapters on reading scripture and attending worship. Dyck certainly understands discipleship as a way of life, a process that we go through to grow closer to God. He touches on suffering and doubt, as well being present in moments when we would rather stay in bed. As we continue to shake off the dust of Covid, Dyck compassionately and humorously offers a way to ease back into a more disciplined life, drawing on such scholars as Adam Grant, Kelly Kapic and Greg McKeown, as well as a number of ministry practitioners.

Overall, I enjoyed Dyck’s latest book. For me, what separates this book from Your Future Self Will Thank You is that there is more practical application. Dyck insightfully walks the reader through his “small acts” in a way to make sure we know what he is recommending so that we can move toward faithfulness, one refreshed moment at a time.

[Dustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of the books I've read over the past couple years have dealt - whether directly or indirectly - leisure (The Liberal Arts Tradition, Prospects for Conservatives, Digital Minimalism, Cicero, Epictetus, etc). This book falls right in line with the lot of them and felt very timely.

The gist of the book is about being faithful in the small things - whether mundane daily/weekly duties or relationships - instead of chasing the big things and trying to be the hero that saves the world. But the shining chapters for me were the ones focused on saying no to things (you can't show up for everything) and showing up both physically and mentally (anti-escapism). I wasn't expecting to read two books in a month that both referenced the Dunbar number, but there you go.

Just before starting this book I was reflecting on the scriptural admonition about redeeming the time - too often in the modern world we quantify this and take it to mean get as much done as you can in the limited time you're allotted. As I've heard it said before "can you imagine if the Apostle Paul had a private jet?!" But, as Drew points out in his work, when God was incarnate and walked among us, he was very limited in the areas and people he ministered to - he didn't have very many relationships and spent a lot of his time alone. God didn't redeem us to squeeze as much productivity out of us like a sponge, and nor should we take such an approach to the hours and minutes of our day. Redeem the time by being present and showing up where it matters.

I listened to the audiobook edition of this work, which is not listed here for some reason.

[Vincent Waldron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drew Dyck is a favorite author of mine. I have read each one of his books and found them interesting, practical, and insightful. My favorites were his book on self-control with the book Generation Ex-Christian being a close second.

I wasn't too sure about this particular book. Just showing up is a nice starting place, but I grew up hearing sermons calling on people to be "sold out for God" and here Drew seems to have an extremely low bar. Surely, we can do better than this.

As he makes clear through the book, just showing up is a starting place. Whether you are talking about Bible reading, church attendance, or prayer, the hope is that over time you will go deeper with each one of these things. At the same time, many people don't even show up anymore because they think they don't have the energy to really devote to the item and as a result, they lose out on a real blessing.

The book is not terribly long and is filled with Drew's sense of humor. He is writing from the standpoint of a dad with three children and makes it clear that at certain points in his life he has struggled mightily with doubt, discouragement, and depression. I enjoyed the book greatly. The biggest negative is that it does not go in depth on any particular subject -- but maybe that is appropriate for a book that is about just showing up.

[Ryan Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

In many ways, the 21st century west is a nightmare to live in, and a major metropolitan area like where I’ve lived for the past 5 or 6 years, even more. Life comes fast, responsibilities come faster, and some days it feels like all we can do to find time to breathe because the bills do not stop coming. Burnout on the part of pastors, teachers, laborers, and, it feels like, pretty much everyone else is on the rise and we are bombarded and immersed on all sides by solutions to the problems of fast-paced 21st century living.

With characteristic wit and charm, Drew Dyck offers an antidote to the chaos of fast-paced living: Just Show Up. Through his incredibly readable, intimate, and funny volume, he explores what it means to show up and be faithful and argues that in nearly every case, that is enough. We do not need to worry about changing the world or "bringing the feast" as it were, instead those things happen through the power of God by means of our showing up and being faithful in the place where He has brought us.

Full review: https://open.substack.com/pub/theurba...

[Michaela Flack · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick and easy read and honestly should be required reading for pretty much any Christian.

I wish I had read it years ago - there are simply so many books and narratives telling us to "do big things for God!" and "maximize productivity!" that I think many of us forgot to bother with the small things enough. Dyck does a great job here of making service and loving others faithfully manageable in the busy middle of life....easier. I have realized that the bar is actually pretty low! We just have to show up, in whatever capacity is needed and where we can. Dyck gives lots of really doable and tangible examples of how to go about that - it can be a meal or a text message, a cup of coffee or a listening ear. Dyck encourages us to show up ("even if you're late), to invest in fewer people for deeper impact, and to just keep moving.

It's an easy and short read, but hard to perhaps remember the ways in which we have not done these things for others, and how others have not done these things for us. But the good news is that this book is full of humor and graciousness and you don't close the book feeling guilty, but more encouraged and enabled to just show up.

[Wendy Macdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drew Dyck wrote deeply in this book. If you appreciated his humble honesty in his previous book, you'll love this one too.
He bravely says so many things that many of us are thinking. And he shares about stuff many of us have or are still struggling with. It's obvious his goal is to serve readers with genuine encouragement. First, he comes alongside us and lets us know we're not alone.
Another thing I appreciate about his writing is his wonderful sense of humor. Oh my, I laughed so many times while reading this book.
The questions at the end of each chapter are thought-provoking and motivating.
This book is a blessing to the Christian community and not a burden. There isn't a hint of legalism in it. It's a solid 5 out of 5-star read.