Lessons From A Storm

Read Hebrews 10:19-25

In response to all he has done for us, let us outdo each other in being helpful and kind to each other and in doing good. Hebrews 10:24 (TLB)

"And so I am giving a new commandment to you now - love each other just as much as I love you. Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:34-35 (TLB)

Belinda Jo "B.J." Mathias lives in Mississippi. The morning after a hurricane moved through the southern United States, B.J. ventured out to her back porch to check on her plants. With lights turning off and on as the electrical company worked on power lines, B.J. saw that most of her plants had done fine except for a sad little mum that was sitting in a huge puddle. B.J. decided to tuck it into the rich, dark soil in one of the larger flowerpots. Maybe being surrounded by hearty plants in fresh soil would give the damaged one a better chance of recovering.

Sometimes we also have moments when we are overwhelmed by the storms that come our way. We can feel isolated, broken, and certain that no one understands our pain. But when we are lovingly surrounded by the family of God, their strength enfolds us, their faith upholds us, and their love embraces our hurting heart. In Those moments of fellowship and worship, we can find hope. We are not alone - we are surrounded by God's love and power, and we can weather the storms.

Prayer: Father God, thank you for community and for blessing us with the fellowship of the saints, in Jesus' name. Amen.