We Are In This Together

Oops, I can’t believe I went to bed last night before writing my blog. We got home from church, had something to eat and I turned on the TV and found the Bronco’s game, went to bed and woke up about 1 a.m. and realized that I had not written my daily blog. The first time in over two years we missed a day! Since I can’t post date a blog, I will probably write another later today.

Speaking of reminders, I was pleased to get a message from Gina Brummett, my former Co-Director at Teen Challenge. She reminded me of  a time, several years ago, I was asked to review the application of a girl seeking admission to our New Hope House program. Our director at the time felt that this girl’s background, issues and needs did not fit our normal admission criteria. At the time my advice and decision was, “let’s give her a chance.”

Gina shared the update now several years later. The girl remained in the program and progressed so well that she began to help other girls in the program. She has been accepted and is planning on attending Southwestern Assemblies of God University to pursue her life’s goals. I am thankful that the transformation that Lord can bring to a life, even in the most challenging of life’s issues and circumstances. He doesn’t give up and sees potential no one else can see.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… I want very much to see you, to give you some spiritual gift to make you strong.  I mean that I want us to help each other with the faith we have. Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you.” Romans 1:11,12 NCV

When I read these verses they caught my attention. Perhaps it was due to the issue of “personal faith.” In other words people who say, “I am a person of faith but I keep it to myself” or “I am a person of faith but I don’t attend church or need others” The other thought that came to my mind was that famous question of Cain’s; “Am I my brother’s keeper?” For Cain he thought the answer to the question was “no” but the reality it was a resounding “yes!

The principle is simply this: “A vital aspect of developing our faith,  is the strength we receive from the faith of others.”

When we hear of someone else whether a co-worker, friend or public individual that is a person of faith it gets our attention, it is an encouragement to our faith. Yes, it may be that subconscious sense of “I’m not in this alone.”  But that is why when we gather with others our faith is strengthened, when we hear others share an answer to prayer, our faith is strengthened, when someone joins with us in prayer, our faith is strengthened.

We need to remember that our faith, helps others. We are not only on the receiving end, but we are used of the Lord to strengthen the faith of others. That may be through an encouraging word, prayer, the way we live our life, or what we take stand for. Paul, the great apostle, who endured so much for the cause of Christ, says to the Roman Christians, “your faith will help me…”

I recall former Denver Bronco and sports commentator, Ed McCaffrey making a comment concerning the controversy over how bold Tim Tebow was with his faith. Ed confessed, “I am challenged by Tim Tebow about ways in which I  can be more bold in sharing my faith.”

When it comes to our faith in the Lord, “we are in this together.” I am reminded of the parting words of an aunt of mine when we ended a visit; she would say, “You pray for us and we will pray for you.” I like that. It is not just “pray for me” or “I’ll be praying for you.” It was another expression of how our lives and our faith strengthen each other.

Remember, “keep the faith, share your faith, grow in faith!” and remember when it comes to faith, we are our “brother’s [each others] keepers.”