Community in the Midst of Storms

Overwhelmed, tired, hurt, lonely... Do any of these words describe you? Have they described you in the past? Many of our friends and family feel as if they are drowning. Drowning from the ever present storms of this life. If we take the time to truly look around and observe our loved ones we will see the signs of an overwhelmed, tired, hurt, or lonely individual. I've been that person on several occasions. Therefore, I can't look around and see the devastation without feeling the burden to be there and help.

Life is hard. Sometimes very, very hard. As the saying goes, either you just came out of a storm, currently in a storm, or about to head into a storm. Thank God He never intended for us to do life on our own. That's why the Holy Spirit indwells in us and we have brothers and sisters in Christ to walk alongside us. We were made for relationship and community.

My heart's cry is to see brothers and sisters in Christ unified. We need to help others see the importance and desperate need for Christ. Not only do we need Christ but we also need one another. People view needing others as a weakness but I strongly disagree. Being in community with others is a strength. We are better people when we are in community with others. It shows us life is not all about us. We get to have a front row seat at Christ working in other peoples' lives which is a constant reminder that He is ever faithful.

Will there be moments when we feel overwhelmed, tired, hurt, or lonely? Probably so. Will we have storms in our lives? The Bible says yes. This is why I am thankful that God has given me a community of brothers and sisters who love me and are there for me. I am even more thankful for my relationship with Christ who is my constant friend. When I think about all God has done in my life I can't bottle up my emotions and remain silent. All the storms I thought would have taken me out have prepared and equipped me to be the person I am today. Therefore, I continually seek relationships with people for the mutual edification of Christ.

God make us Your example. Show us people we can impact. Allow us to be a light in the world. There are days when we fall short but continue to convict us, pick us up, and show us the way. Help us see the need for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Help us realize we are family and teach us what that truly means. Help us deepen our relationships so we are burdened for our sisters and brothers.

Are you in a consistent relationship with your brothers and sisters in Christ? Do you have people you can call on when the storms of life are raging? Remember that God created us for community with Him and one another.

In Christ,
Alissa

"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 (ESV)

"If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it." 1 Corinthians 12:26-27 (ESV)

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 (ESV)

"For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." Romans 8:29 (ESV)