You can’t do it alone
having others around you does help build you up…
'that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. ' Romans 1:12
it’s not hard for me to say that i am very appreciative and grateful for the friendships i’ve made over the years in my walk with Jesus. from kid time at kaimuki Christian school, st. louis school, various churches - word of life, nho, calvary chapel, king’s cathedral, first assembly of God, and others in-between to nhhk now, a bunch of relationships were developed and built.
there are people who will come in and out of your life - for whatever reason, some will stay while others will not; sometimes you’ll understand and at other times you won’t know why they aren’t around anymore. yes, i do believe God does have a plan for each and everyone of us, so i accept that it was a time for growing and learning from each other whether they are in or out of my life.
this particular verse speaks of being encouraged (aided, cheered, inspired, reassured, renewed, supported). i don’t know of anyone who does not want to be, unless they are a total debbie-downer and wants to be depressed/sad. i know i feel emboldened by brothers-in-Christ that i’ve gotten to know. currently through nhhk, in no particular order - jay, ross, dave, cheyenne, eric, kalani, traves, rich, carl, curtis, ryan, justin, state, randy, kyle s..
there are certainly many more who don’t attend nhhk that i can and/or still do call on from time to time to check in. they are no less important, just currently on a different path that The Lord has for them. still, like old friends, when we do get together or speak, we simply pick up from where we last left off, with only time passing us by. by keeping in touch and seeing how things are going, especially hearing the goodness of God in their lives and what they are doing for Kingdom purposes, also how i may be of service to them or their families, this encourages me and helps in some small way with the commandment - Loving God, Loving others.
dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the men that you have brought into my life, past and present. each of them have added value to me, whether lifting me up, strengthening, comforting, even correcting, and i am a better man with than without them. so fortunate to have you, Jesus, as my Lord, my Savior, my Friend, and i only hope i can be an encouragement for anyone you place in front of me and in my care. i humbly ask this in your mighty and glorious name Lord Jesus, amen!