“I’m not sure if this is a praise or a prayer request. Tomorrow, my mother-in-law arrives for a two-week stay.”
Instantly, the room fills with laughter.
Thank you for these women, Lord. Honest, straight-forward, God-fearing, grace-giving sisters in Christ. What a blessing to join together with them each week and share our hearts as we learn of Yours.
“Please pray for my brother, that he can once and for all escape the demons that torment him and win his fight with drug abuse.”
“My little one has had a fever the past few days. I’m so worried about her. The last time she had a fever she had seizures.”
“Oh, my in-laws! Both in their 80s, headed across the United States in an RV! They’re off on an adventure, while my husband and I wonder how they’ll fare just the two of them.”
“Please continue to pray for my step-dad. His spirit is strong, but his cancer isn’t responding to treatment.”
Tears fill our eyes.
“Thank the Lord, we sold our house! It’s been on the market for two years. Yesterday, we heard from our realtor. We have a buyer!”
“I know I ask this a lot, but please pray for my husband. Since he deployed, I can’t stop worrying about him. Pray God will keep him safe and bring him home to me. I miss him so much.”
“Guess what?! I got a contract to illustrate a children’s book. It’s been a life-long dream. I can’t believe it’s happening! I have a deadline in two days. I should be home working on my illustrations, but I couldn’t imagine doing my week without meeting together with all of you.”
Oh, gracious God, to know when two or three are gathered in Your name, You are here . . . what a promise, what a comfort, what a place to be.
This is community.
Community is where hope is renewed, faith is infused, strength is fortified, vision is focused, purpose is instilled, joy is rejuvenated, souls are refreshed, and our Lord is glorified.
“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their hard work. If either should fall, one can pick up the other. But how miserable are those who fall and don’t have a companion to help them up!? Also, one can be overpowered, but two together can put up resistance. A three-ply cord doesn’t easily snap.” {Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10, 12, CEB}
And, I see it now — the blessing of togetherness.
This past year, I turned 49. For almost a half-century, I tried to go it alone. My introverted self managed to keep me secluded, hidden, and safely tucked away.
Only the place where I was hiding was anything but safe.
We aren’t meant to be lone rangers. We aren’t designed to withdraw. We aren’t created to live in a cocoon of self.
We are built, engineered, and wired for togetherness. This was God’s intention from the foundation of the world. You, me, and God. United by His Spirit, bonded together by His love, grafted into His family, one body, one Lord, ONE.
It is in this circle of “Yes! Me, too!”, “I’m praying for you”, “How can we help?”, “I know just how you feel”, “God’s got this and God’s got you”, “So good to see you, friend” that God is gently leading me out of seclusion and into a place of spiritual incubation and growth.
“Let us consider how to inspire each other to greater love and to righteous deeds, not forgetting to gather as a community, as some have forgotten, but encouraging each other, especially as the day of His return approaches.” {Hebrews 10:24, 25, VOICE}
We bow our heads as we lift our praises and our requests up to our Heavenly Father. And me, I silently marvel at a God as beautiful as this. One who calls us out of self and deeper into relationship with Him through the precious gift of sisters in Christ.
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Related: Hang this beautiful Words of Community ~ 16 x 20 Print on your wall to celebrate the beauty of community.
Cathi says
I love to laugh and am known for my offbeat sense of humor, but that opening sentence hit me between the eyes. My first thought was, “I hope my daughter-in-law didn’t write that.” I’ll be spending the next two weeks in their home, and I constantly worry about imposing.
Susan G. says
So true! Thanks for this Stacy. I love to be alone, so I have to be intentional about meeting with friends. But one thing I never miss, is my weekly small group , our women’s bible study. We give praise, ask for prayer, and study His Word, what He’s teaching us through His Word. There’s just nothing better than getting together with other women and growing our faith.
Blessings!
Brianna says
This verse here is talking about church displine. That 2 or more speaking to someone out of love for a sin they are walking in or order of the church. Not friends together are now in his presence. If this were true, that would imply when we are alone his presence is not with us. Just wanted to share. Read Matthew 18: 15-20 for full context.
Great blog and message though. It truly is a blessing to walk in faith with community and friends!
Beth Williams says
My hubby is a true introvert. He is around people all day at work and loves to veg out by himself. I am a little bit of an introvert. I enjoy alone time also. Must work a little to be with people. Small groups of women work best for me.
Love Bible study groups and Women’s retreat trips. Times we get to pray for each other & really get to know each other! It is so good to let go of our requests and pray for each other in community! God wants us in community with believers!
Blessings 🙂
Marty says
Such a wonderful post and a great reminder for those of us who fight the tendencies to hide ourselves away. We are meant for togetherness! 🙂