The inclination to isolate is more tempting now than ever. But our faith was never meant to be kept to ourselves.

The best way to stay encouraged is to stay connected. Paul longed to experience this with the Romans.

"For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you
that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine."
Romans 1:11–12

Paul needed encouragement too! Your leaders need encouragement, maybe more than most. Don’t assume just because of their position that they are immune to discouragement. Leader, if you are normally pouring out, don’t be afraid to receive encouragement also.

There is a type of encouragement that can only come from community. As amazing as Paul’s letters were (good enough to be Scripture), he still wished to actually be with them.

As many churches and communities go online, don’t let mere receiving encouragement be a substitute for real interaction. Even if community needs to be digital, you can still make sure it’s mutual.

So many people are struggling with fear, anxiety and worry right now. Who can you encourage? Also, who can encourage you? Get around people who will strengthen you. Paul said this to Philemon,
I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. Philemon 6

Unshared faith is unfulfilled faith. You can’t experience all God has for you on your own. You need to be sharing it with others to experience all the benefits found in Christ!

Who can you share your faith with today?

It’s 4 weeks till Easter! With our church and many others going online, it’s time to fight fear with faith. Today I read…

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20

Jesus died for me, so my old life has died with him. Fear died, anxiety died, worry died, those things no longer have to control me. I still struggle with them, but I have power to fight them because of Jesus.

Jesus rose, so he lives in me. Because Jesus lives he can live his life in and through me.

Faith fuels my life. I’m powered by faith not by fear. Because he loves, I love, because he sacrificed, I sacrifice. Lord, forgive me for forgetting to look through the eyes of faith.

Jesus died for your sin and is now alive. He is offering to live his life through you, and give you the power to choose faith instead of fear, confidence instead of cowardice, and worship instead of worry. What will you choose?

Pastor David