Fuel Up with Community: Endurance and Encouragement
READY:
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Romans 15:5-7
SET:
It was a late night.
After a long day of work, I finally arrived at the gym to get my swim workout in around 9pm.
Going into the pool, I got my laps in and knew my body was getting stronger.
On the inside though, I was feeling emotionally weak and very discouraged.
As I was leaving, there was a lady who I engaged in conversation with.
As we talked, we both realized we were Christians and prayed for each other at the end of our conversation.
What this woman prayed for me was astounding.
Not mentioning anything about the internal pain and weakness going on, she prayed for me and said,
“I see this picture of you being a tugboat.
You may think that you’re small, but God has given you a power that is beyond what you can imagine, and you can pull something so much bigger than what you think!”
She prayed specifically for me in a way I exactly needed.
God sent this woman at the perfect time.
I was in deep need of endurance and encouragement and God used her to share this truth that has stuck with me ever since: I am a spiritual tugboat!
God is the God of endurance and encouragement.
It is in fellowship with others that we receive encouragement and are empowered to keep going forward with God’s strength and power.
Fuelling up in community is key to running with endurance and encouragement.
Hebrews 10:24-25 says this,
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Hebrews 10:24-25
Think of what happens if we neglect to prioritize our training.
Our body, mind, and energy are all impacted.
Similarly, when we neglect meeting together in community with believers, we miss critical fellowship with others and opportunities to encourage and strengthen others.
Just as we schedule time for our workouts, scheduling time to be in a Christ-centered community leads to greater strength, endurance, and encouragement for everyone.
Following Jesus is a team sport.
We are not called, or even encouraged, to run this race alone.
As a follower of Christ, God has gifted us with the Holy Spirit along with other people who are running on the narrow path to run with (Matthew 7:13-14).
Immersing yourself in a healthy, Christ-centered community is key to walking and running in victory.
Remember what Proverbs 11:25 says,
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
Proverbs 11:25
Let the rivers of living water flow through you to bless and strengthen others! (John 7:38)
GO:
- When you look at your weekly and monthly schedule, would you conclude that you have a good community? If not, how can you step into community this month?
- What is fellowship? How does true fellowship with other believers lead to endurance and encouragement?
- Where and who do you turn to in challenging moments and seasons?
- Who is someone in your community that you can encourage today?
- Additional verses: Hebrews 3:12-13
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