NEVER ALONE!

Often as I ponder what to write, I look out on the landscape outside my study window, asking God what He wants me to write this week. Sometimes an idea pops into my head right away. Other times, it takes a while. Today, I noticed the few trees that are scattered throughout the field. Most of them are small evergreens standing alone at various places in the field. Directly north of the church, there are two groupings of three or four trees that are in close proximity. If I look beyond the field, I can see several other groupings of trees, ranging from a few dozen to the heavily treed area beyond the fields. And, as you may have suspected, I’m going to spin this into an analogy.

The trees in the landscape remind me of our varying circumstances as Christians. Some Christians may be the only Christians in their families or workplaces. In those settings they may stand alone. But, if the trees in the field could see, they would notice that there are other trees around … maybe not in close proximity, but, still, they are there. Sometimes Christians can feel like they are alone, but we are not. Just take a look at Elijah in 1 Kings 19. He felt all alone, and didn’t see any other followers of God anywhere near Him, but God told Him that there were still seven thousand in Israel who had not bowed to Baal. If that’s where you are at today, remember the words of 1 Corinthians 16:13 “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong,” and that Christ has promised, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Heb 13:5 ESV)

Sometimes, we may be in small clusters of Christians, whether they be our family or friends that share the faith. Other times we may be in a larger group, whether it be dozens, hundreds, or thousands of other Christians. In these settings, we can strengthen and encourage one another. Keep pointing each other to Christ!
No matter your setting, or the number of Christians around you, remember the instruction of Hebrews 10:23-25 and take it to heart:

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And 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.

Fellow Christian, please remember, you are never alone!


In His grip,
Pastor Decker