Shared strength

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Live like it’s true”

Our Bible verse for today: “Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “Shared strength”

I know I have referred several times in these devotional messages lately to the recent deaths of my wife and son. It’s because first of all, the grief associated with those deaths is real and raw and recent. But also, being able to talk and write about grief is therapeutic. Grief counselors unanimously urge grievers to find sympathetic listeners to whom they can talk to about their grief, and to also write about it. So, I thank for patiently indulging me.

With respect to our topic today of church members coming alongside the walking-wounded, lifting them up, and sharing their own strength with the struggling person, I want to give a shoutout to my church family.

My experience with the unexpected deaths of Linda and Rick, only three weeks apart and only three months ago, is a perfect example of the church rising-up and rallying to care for one of their own. It is precisely because my brothers and sisters have been there for me, sharing their strength and helping me to carry the burden, that I have been able to deal with this without dissolving into a total blubbering mess. There have been cards, letters, emails, text messages, phone calls, prayers, meals, gifts, invitations to social events, financial gifts, help with household chores, and so much more.

But also, with respect to our theme from yesterday regarding taking care of each other inside the church so we can then turn our attention to outside ministry, it is precisely because of all the help I have received from my church family that I have been able to quickly return to my ministry activities of preaching, teaching, writing, hospital visits, home visits, performing weddings – and even conducting funerals for other families. And when I wasn’t up to doing some of those things, others stepped-up to cover for me.

Were there people outside the church in our community who also needed help during this time? Probably. But there was someone inside the church who needed it too (in this case it was me) and so that’s where the saints directed their attention and energy first. It’s like that lyric from the singer TobyMac that I quoted yesterday, “Come on everyone, we’ve got a man down!” And the church responded.

When caregiving within a church family is genuine and sincere – when it is a dynamic reality of church life – the church lives like it’s real. At Oak Hill Baptist Church it is real. It has been shared strength at its best, and it is still happening. This road through and out of grief is a long one. It doesn’t happen quickly and therefore the burden-carrying and the strength-sharing is still ongoing and it will be for a while. But this is church life at its best.

Well done, Oak Hill Baptist. Thank you.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

Share this:

Related

Leave a comment Cancel reply