VATIC Expressions
Truth, Transparency, Transformation
Stand Firm
by Laura Frohmader
Years ago a big windstorm blew down acres of trees in our woods. A few months before that we had loggers come in and thin out some trees. I wondered if the trees that fell in the storm would’ve withstood that storm if they still had those other trees to help hold them up. It made me think of our Christian walk. We need others to keep us accountable to God, to help us through the trials in life, to rejoice with us when we rejoice. “But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception.” (Hebrews 3:13)
It’s a blessing to find a good church home. We need a place to worship God and hear His Word it its truth and purity, so we can be deeply rooted in His Word. We also need our brothers and sisters in Christ to fellowship with. When we develop relationships with fellow believers we are able to help each other through this life on earth. If we are going through a difficult time, perhaps someone else has been through that circumstance and can be an encouragement to press on through the difficulty, looking ahead to a better time. “Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you also won’t be tempted. Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” (Galatians 6:1-3)
It’s not only difficult times when we need others. I was thinking recently of some friends who have large families. They get excited when they’re expecting another blessing, but all too often, others will put them down for the size of their family. This causes them to not bother sharing their excitement with most people. Others with large families will rejoice with them, so it is good to find fellowship with like-minded people. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
In good times and in bad, let us continue to find fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. ”Let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works, not staying away from our worship meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
“This is what the Lord says: Stand by the roadways and look. Ask about the ancient paths: Which is the way to what is good? Then take it and find rest for yourselves.” (Jeremiah 6:16)
May this article bless you and the Holy Spirit speak to you of His Truth.
All Bible quotes are from the Holmen Christian Standard Bible unless otherwise noted.
© 2015 Laura Frohmader