The last few weeks I’ve told you how I came to understand that knowing God was THE most important thing, how the Bible is, without a doubt, the foundation for knowing God, and how ongoing conversation with Him keeps me connected to Him. But there’s one other thing we need…others who are also following Jesus.
I’m a Texan and the independent spirit runs deep in me, but not isolation. Nothing good comes from isolation. Trust me on this. And nothing good comes from keeping your faith in isolation. It’s just not how all of this was intended to be lived out. We need others. We were hard-wired to need community, fellowship, time with other followers…whatever you want to call it.
Just take a minute to read John 17 right quick.
Isn’t it BEAUTIFUL? Jesus is talking to God right before He finishes His work here on Earth. He tells the Father that He came to give His Word to a handful of people and He’s done that so He’s coming home to be One with the Father again. Now that those people have the message, they will live and share it with others…who will live it and share it with others…who will live it and share it until people all over the word hear it and live it.
And the reason for all of this is in verses 21-23. God and Jesus want all of us to be one with them. We do that through our belief that Jesus was the One sent from Heaven to bring us into fellowship with God the Father.
Remember being in 3rd grade and getting picked to play kickball? THIS IS SO MUCH BETTER THAN THAT!!!
Another one I love is Acts 2, particularly verses 42-47. Those early believers got together to study the apostles’ teachings (our Bible today), to fellowship and pray. And what happened to their group? It grew bigger every day. People are drawn to God’s Truth lived out through God’s people.
I’ll be the first to say that the Church is made up of people fail us regularly. They have failed me and hurt me and I have failed others and hurt them. And yet, this whole thing works only if I keep company with people who believe in Jesus.
And I think the beauty of God’s Word thrives best in community. For me, I need the large group worship and teaching but I also need a small group where I can dig a little deeper and process what I’m learning…or process life in general. A safe place to be gut-level honest. It’s where I can truly see the beautiful work God is doing in me and through me.
What about you, Young Woman?
Have you been hurt by people who claimed to love Jesus? I am so sorry. Do you have a group of other women who love Jesus and you that you meet with over God’s Word? I’m praying as I write this that God will bring 2-5 women into your life and to lead you to a community.
Originally posted 1/22/19