No one should have to go through some things alone. But far too often they do. No one should have to die alone. No one should have to be alone when a loved one dies. No one should have to be alone to hear, “You have terminal cancer.”
I’m sure you can add other tender times to this list. But, did you know that no one does have to be alone when such things happen? The reason is God has put together an effective solution for such times. And his way has worked for centuries and still does today.
For those of us who are pastors, chaplains, emergency-room professionals, nurses, hospices workers, and others, who regularly minister to people in life and death situations, God’s solution is a familiar and welcomed sight. It’s simply a small group of tender, caring members of a family of faith who wrap their loving arms around one of its own who is hurting.
If you are intimately involved in one of God’s local families of faith, you will never be left to suffer alone. And, the value of your spiritual family’s compassionate, caring, and supportive presence cannot be exaggerated.
You know that eventually we’re all going to go through unexpected crises. When it’s your turn, above everything else, you’re going to want to have someone who will sit quietly with you, hold your hand, give you a hug, cry with you, and pray with you.
The Bible describes the family of faith in this way, “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it.” (1 Corinthians 12:26a NIV).
Surely, you’re not living in some fantasy that assumes such things will never happen to you? Are you prepared for such times as these? A clearer way of asking that question is, are you intimately involved in a local Christian fellowship, a church group, a small Bible study, or some other family of faith?
If not, start this week. God has made this provision for you. Reach out to a family of faith near you. Begin building those intimate relationships and you will never be alone when those days come.
Bill Nichols
Special note.
Want to learn how to develop intimate relationships with others in the family of God and how to get close to God? For practical steps, Bible insights, and helpful examples, I invite you to accept a FREE Introduction Chapter and Table of Contents of my new book, Healthy Faith: A Strategic Lifestyle Plan to Transform Your Head, Heart, and Hands.
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