“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” – Matthew 18:20
No matter how fortunate you are or how much you have in terms of money, resources, friends or opportunities, life is a mix of bright and beautiful along with dark and hard. That’s true for all of us, but for some it seems there is a lot more dark and hard. Still, there are those who seem to be filled with joy and hope no matter how hopeless their circumstances look to observers and friends. What is it that makes those people so joyful?
That’s how Rivka became in the CRU Ministries study by the same name. She went from cynical and hopeless to joyful and filled with hope for her own life and even more for others. What made the difference was coming to know Jesus Christ and accepting him as her Lord and Savior. Her joy was so great that she was committed to sharing it with anyone who would listen. And if they wouldn’t listen to her words, she would share her hope and joy through the way she loved them, helping others see and experience what Jesus taught through his words and example.
By the end of the Rivka study, the women who participated were imitating what they saw in her. These ladies are now going to one another offering to pray with one another. They are exploring the scriptures and learning together. They offer each other support. The night we celebrated the completion of the study, even women who did not participate were excited about the opportunity to pray at the same time together every night. These women became true “sisters in Christ,” loving one another while they are all in a hard situation. One woman said, “I know these women care about me personally. They helped me through a lot. It feels like family.” Another woman said, “When we all come together, miracles happen.”
One of the reasons for the deep connection, love and support is that these women are in community with one another. Accepting Jesus is an important step. Once we do, it is so important for all of us to have a faith-filled community around us with whom we can learn, share experiences, and pray. Community provides accountability, support for those days that are just a bit harder, an opportunity to serve others, and a reminder that we are loved, valuable and important to God.
Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us “... let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
God is three persons in one. He is inherently in community and He created us in His image to also be in community with one another and with Christ at the center. If you are struggling in your faith or see someone who is, gather together. Pray. Study God’s Word together. And share Christ’s love through the ways you serve one another. This is how we bring light and beauty to a dark, hard place.
Then watch miracles happen!