Friday Fight 190: Communities and Missed Opportunities
Every Friday, when I wake and pray, God places something on my heart to help fight darkness beginning in our minds. Today is FF190.
What do we think of when we hear the word Community? The term could spark immediate thoughts of family, friends, or a tribe centered around something specific. God surrounds us with a community to support a particular area for a season or a lifetime. Regardless of the community, if God is at the center, it not only strengthens the core of any group but the more we seek Him collectively, the more equipped and spiritually confident we become as individuals. God also uses random people at unexpected times to let us know He sees our concerns in every situation. So, what should we be aware of, and how can this lead to overlooking something good God intended for our lives?
Communities and Missed Opportunities:
Many of us have a tribe of people who we can lean on when needed. It could be a handful of people or a large group because God continually works to restore His children. Our spiritual community includes those we are inspired by and grow with as the Holy Spirit gently aligns our hearts as we journey.
What communal opportunity could we be overlooking with all that surrounds us? Just like with anyone we become close to, the bond of support is strong; however, at times, we only want those we supported in the past to be there for us, or we selfishly desire their help with little reciprocation. Here lies the problem: even with many categories like family, friends, church, school, teammates, etc, people get caught up in only wanting one or two support systems. Suddenly, when God sends a new person or family to one of our established tribes, we feel a reasonable need to dismiss them. Sure, we are hospitable and gracious, but when asked to make room in our lives, our reluctance to accept can quickly change to blatant disobedience. The more significant problem is our hesitation to welcome them into our lives, which means dismissing an opportunity to be there for them. In 1 Peter 4:10, we are encouraged to use the gifts God has given us to serve others and bring glory to God in heaven. Peter mentions nothing about being selective about who we serve or reserving God's gifts for a better time.
The reality check is that the more we strengthen and support the community of believers God surrounds us with, the better equipped we are to withstand spiritual attacks for ourselves and those God places in our lives. Remaining faithful to God means we do our part with those around us and do not dismiss people who lack specific criteria for who we consider our tribe. Instead of this frame of mind, remember that community is about trusting God and obeying Him. Then, in this trusted fellowship, we share the gifts He instilled in us. As stewards of His grace, He enables us to use these gifts to expand His kingdom. If God welcomes everyone, shouldn't our community also do the same? When we invite people into our lives, we ask them to be a part of our walk with fellow believers, to grow together, and to pray for one another. Let's take some time this season to look at the opportunities we may have missed. We don't know who God will send next, but we can begin to pray about it and repent for not trusting His plan. We don't need to worry about how someone new will fit into our lives; instead, we should focus on how we can be obedient to God and be a part of theirs.
Pastor Shannon
NEWLIFE Church