Let’s be honest. Life is not always easy; it just isn’t. We are going along on what we think is a smooth road and suddenly there are rocks there or raging water to cross over and the bridge is out. What do we do? As part of a community, we call for help. We may pick up our phone and call for prayer. Or we may tell someone about our dilemma and ask for their help with the problem. We were not meant to walk through life alone. Jesus had His twelve disciples and we have family and friends. The first thing I do when I encounter a problem is pray and then enlist others in my circle to pray with me and for me. I am sad that there are those who don’t know Jesus and who don’t have a circle of friends on whom they can call for help.

I went to visit my sister in NC a couple of weeks ago and I am sad that she has no friends there and is basically isolated. Her daughter and granddaughter visit occasionally but mostly she is alone all day, with the TV on constantly to keep her company. Please join me in prayer for her to find a friend. I know that it seems a difficult thing since she doesn’t go anywhere except to doctors and doesn’t socialize at all. But God is the God of the impossible, and I am believing for a friend for her, someone that she can talk to, relate with and feel a part of a community with. I would like to hope that she would step out of her comfort zone and go to church or a meeting with other elderly women, but she is adamant that she is not doing that. So I know that God will have to work a miracle and either help her change her choices or send someone to her that will befriend her.

I have decided that I will call her more often myself, knowing that the conversation will be long because she is so lonely, but also knowing she needs that human contact, even if it’s only over the phone lines. We all need someone with whom we can share the burden of life. Jesus promised to help us carry our burdens and I think one of the ways He does that is to provide friendships and fellowship with others. I am thankful for my husband, my children and my friends, all of whom check on me and make sure that I am safe and well. I want my sister to have that peace of mind that comes when you know that you are not totally forgotten. Thank you for your prayers for Ann today.

Made For Community

Have you ever worked in a group with other people who only slowed down your progress? A lot of people actually prefer working alone so that they can manage priorities the way they want. While this may be a good method in some cases, it’s not usually the best way to live.

From the very beginning of creation, God created us to be in relationship with other people. We are created for community and friendship, and God intended for us to work together and help each other through life.

And yet— a lot of people live their life in isolation from others. They believe that as long as they have Jesus, they don’t need anybody else. But you and Jesus can’t make it through life alone. You were created to share life with others.

The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us that there are many things that one person cannot do alone. We need others to help us when we fall. We need others to encourage us when we’re down. We need people to accomplish tasks in life that are greater than us.

Most people who have gone through difficult seasons of life wish there had been someone to walk alongside them. We long for connection and community.

This is how God designed us—we were created to share the burdens of life together. 

God created the Church to be a community of people who all love God and love others. When we find community within the people of God, we will also find people who can walk through life together with us. You don’t have to walk through life alone—God has provided other people to help you along. And you are also called to help those in your life. 

Take some time today to thank God for the friends and community He has given you. Thank God for each of them by name. As they come to mind, be sure to let them know that you appreciate their friendship in your life. Seek out ways that you can continue to build a healthy community of friends.