Faith and a Coffee Shop

It’s been a bit quieter here the past couple of weeks, because life outside this space has taken a unique twist we didn’t see coming at all. In short, we co-purchased a coffee shop.

Yes, we’ve been called crazy several times. And we don’t completely disagree. If you had told me I’d be publishing a book and we’d be buying a coffee shop within weeks of each other, I would have called you crazy. 

About a month ago we found out our favorite local coffee shop (that had closed down during the “safer at home” order) probably wouldn’t be opening its doors again. The reason this particular coffee shop is so special to us is because it was started by Ellerslie (a ministry we’ve been closely connected with for years), and managed by one of my dearest friends. It changed owners a little while back, but it is still a very special place for us (in fact, most of my book was written there on Wednesday evenings). It’s been a significant place of community and service and discipleship in our neighborhood. It isn’t just another space to drink coffee. 

When we heard it may not open up again, I saw a spark in my husband’s eyes. “No, we most certainly are not going to do that,” I said to him. He said he’d just inquire about it. And during his “casual inquiry” I was praying fervently for the Lord to change Judah’s heart. Well… he changed mine instead. And just a couple of weeks later we were co-owners of Coffee House 29.

This has been a huge step of faith for us, because it wasn’t our timing for something like this. We’ve had dreams of having a coffee shop space one day that could be used to bless others and be an extension of hospitality to our community, but didn’t think it would be on the horizon for years. But God has been revealing over and over again the past few years that His timing is not ours, whether it means long seasons of waiting or things moving much faster than we would have imagined. 

But that’s the beauty of a life of faith. There’s always a sense of expectancy for what God will have for us. No matter how carefully we plan, how wise we are with our time and resources, God is ultimately in control. And sometimes He asks us to do things that we never would have stepped out to do otherwise. A verse that has become very significant to us is Proverbs 16:31 for this very reason: 

“The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

Life with Jesus is a grand adventure; sometimes summiting peaks, and other times walking through dark valleys. Sometimes resting in meadows and sometimes navigating thick forests. But He is with us through it all. He equips us for the adventure He calls us to. He strengthens, He comforts, He sustains. And even though it might be a little less “safe,” there’s nowhere better to be than with Him where He goes. 

So, we head into this new adventure with a little trepidation and hearts full of excitement. 

It seems fitting to finish with a quote from Eric Ludy, the original dreamer behind CH29: 

“A great life is not the result of a formula perfectly followed. Rather of a God wholly trusted.”

Your friend,