A Community

Read Judges 1:1-10

After the death of Joshua, the Israelites inquired of the Lord, "Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?" The Lord said, "Judah shall go up. I hereby give the land into his hand." Judah said to his brother Simeon, "Come up with me into the territory allotted to me, that we may fight against the Canaanites; then I too will go with you into the territory allotted to you." So Simeon went with him. Judges 1:1-3 (NRSV)

Toluwalogo Niji-Olawepo lives in Kwara, Nigeria. When she was younger, Toluwalogo had this notion that she had to do everything by herself. She believed that asking for help would give glory to others that belonged only to God. However, as she has gotten older, she has realized that God created her and put her in the midst of people - family, friends, and community - because she needs people.

She has learned that accepting help is a way of acknowledging that she can't do it all by herself. She needs God and the help of others around her. Over the years, Toluwalogo has seen God come into her life as a friend's warm hug. God has met her needs through people she did not expect, sometimes even comforting her through the kindness of a stranger. God works in mysterious ways.

In today's scripture reading, Judah asked his brother Simeon for help in the battle against the Canaanites. As they fought side by side, God gave them the victory. God often reaches out to us through Family and through community. It's okay to ask for help even as we give help to those around us. When we do, we participate in God's miracles.

Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for family and for all the people you have used to accomplish your purpose in our lives. Help us to continually trust in you, in Jesus' name. Amen.