Then, by the will of God, I will be able to come to you with a joyful heart, and we will be an encouragement to each other. — Romans 15:32
We all need times of refreshing and encouragement. While there's nothing wrong with just getting away and enjoying life and the beauty of this earth, this is not what Paul was talking about.
Life can be hard and often will be. While something you're going through might seem trivial to me and vice versa, this doesn't mean that the situation can't rock our worlds when we’re in the middle of it!
I know I often feel sorry for myself, get tired of the trials and tribulations, and dealing with life in ministry and in general. But the reality of what I face everyday is nothing compared to what a lot of others out there are going through, including those who will be put to death today for their belief and faith in Christ!
Paul was first of all wanting to make sure that what he did was what God wanted him to do, finishing well where he currently was. His desire was not only to go to Rome, but to be filled with the joy of The LORD when he arrived.
But he also wanted to make sure that they, together, would be refreshed and encouraged in The LORD during their time together!
As believers, we need one another. There are so many Scriptures that point to us being one another people and it is impossible to exist in the body of Christ without being part of the body!
We need to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. We need to carry/bear each others burdens. We need to confess our sins one to another. We need to fellowship and break bread together. We need to not forsake the assembling together with the saints. (All Bible verses, look them up!!)
We need each other, period!! We were not designed to get through this life alone. We CANNOT obey The LORD and His Word without Fellowship with one another in person! The rougher things are the more we need each other! Don't let satan convince you otherwise! The threat of death didn't stop Jesus, His disciples, Paul or the church described in The Bible! They knew that at some point they would die, even if it was prematurely in the world’s eyes, and then they'd be in heaven with Jesus. Living a persecuted life also hasn't stopped many believers throughout the world who've been persecuted over time, even yesterday!
Look around your churches, etc and see who you don't know and get to know them. Invite them to dinner. Invite them to your small group if you have one. If you don't, start one and invite them. You may be fine with who you hang out with, but I'm sure there's others who you see on a regular basis who aren't. Don't stop at one invite, maybe they really did have something else they committed to!
It's great to talk about whatever you're into and while I enjoy talking about God things, I also don't mind an occasional conversation about something else outside of that realm. But being refreshed and encouraged in The LORD is the only thing that will help fuel our lives with what we need to make it through each and every moment of every day we live on this Earth!
In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? Psalm 56:4
Please don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions, prayer requests, etc. We'd love to pray with and for you and to the best of our ability answer any questions you may have soley using God's Word!
Love y’all and LORD Bless,
Curt & Mary Jo
