‘When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. ‘ Romans 1:12
Walking the Christian walk can feel lonely sometimes. And this lonely feeling can be where Satan wants us to be. And I think that sometimes we can take, for example, that those around us are ok, especially those who we feel are spiritually strong.
My best friend is a brother in Christ. In 2007, he invited me to attend his son’s baptism at his church, which I attended as a child. I hadn’t been attending church at the time and was not practicing the faith that I would have claimed to be.
As I was in the church that day, the Spirit moved my heart to start going back to church. My friend told me how he began to go to the church and the man who witnessed him. This man was still attending the church.
Several years later, I saw this gentleman sitting in a grocery store, and the Spirit prompted me to go over and thank him for his witnessing to my friend.
As I approached him, he glared at me a little like, “who is this guy bothering me.” I said to him, “Thank you. I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate that you witnessed to, my friend. If it weren’t for that, I do not think I would be where I am in my spiritual walk with the Lord.”
He smiled and said that he was glad that he had helped.
Not knowing this until later, he left there and went to my friend’s house. He explained what had happened and told my friend that he was in a spiritual slump, and this interaction was a real encouragement.
God worked all these events to orchestrate my return to the church and lift him up when he felt discouraged.
A part of the verse that catches my eye is “When we get together.” Something about being physically present with other believers makes a difference. With COVID happening a couple of years ago, the physical meetings have declined, and some folks have not come back to the church.
‘Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. ‘ Hebrews 10:23-25
As believers, we must find a way to be around each other more often. Satan wants us to feel like we are on an island by ourselves so he can have his way with us. But we need others, and they need us.
When the writer of Hebrews wrote, “especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.” With every minute that passes, we are getting closer to His return.
This week, think of one person who has helped you in your walk with the Lord and give them a call and let them know that you appreciate them. If you haven’t talked to them in a while, your words may be like water for some who are thirsty.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace, mercy, forgiveness. With the time of Lord’s return drawing near, please help us to encourage each other to stand firm in our faith.
I pray that You allow me to look at others they way you see them, with grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
I thank You for the people You put in my life who challenge me, and my thinking. Please help me learn the lessons you are trying to teach me through that challenge.
Please let these words encourage others to seek to know You better.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!! 🙏❤️
