Together We Rise

Many of us struggle asking for help. It feels easier to just attempt the matter ourselves. Some of us would rather assume someone's feelings or thoughts rather than ask them what they think or feel. And then there are times we ignore advice we asked for which ends up adding more stress to our situation. Why do we do this to ourselves? Pride? Fear? Ego? Maybe a little bit of each? I've been just as guilty. Sometimes it feels easier to live with the stress and anxiety of doing it all myself rather than facing potential rejection, let down, or judgement from other people. If I were a betting woman, I would bet there are some of you who think you don't need anyone else. That you've got it handled because that's what you have done your entire life. If that happens to be the case, I'm glad you're here

"And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;"

Mark 6:7 KJV

"After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come."

Luke 10:1 KJV

Jesus created us to work with other people, to build with other people, and to rely on each other as we navigate life. There are a few reasons He would have sent His disciples out in pairs. One of the reasons would have been for credibility and validation. Back then, in order for something to be considered truth, there needed to be two or more people to share the same truth in order for it to be counted. So, by Jesus doing this, it was in alignment with old testament law to provide a level of trust among the people with His disciples (Deuteronomy 19:15). Other reasons He may have chosen not to send them out by themselves are for support, encouragement, accountability, efficiency, and capacity.

When we don't rely on others, we are limited to our own knowledge, experience, and resources. No one knows or is good at everything. I'm sure you're very capable of figuring out most anything thrown at you. The saying "Where there's a will, there's a way" comes to mind. But how many times have you done something and wish you would have been able to spend more time on it, or wish it had turned out differently? I know I enjoy a challenge and I'm not afraid to work solo. I also know there have been many of those times, the vision didn't quite translate in the creation process.

Many times the projects I've done on my own took far longer than they should have and caused more stress and frustration than they should have because I didn't ask for help or I didn't want to wait for it. When I finally reached out for a second opinion, after a little conversation, new ideas were born and more efficient solutions were made. Two minds are better than one. God created us to thrive and grow together. It's amazing what happens when we are able to brainstorm and collaborate with one another.

Just like each body part is unique and has a different job, so do each of us. We aren't all eyes or all ears. God has blessed each of us with gifts and talents unique to us. Some of you may be very creative and some of you may be really good with numbers. God made us this way so we could rely on each other, build and grow together, and allow us to glorify Him through the gifts and talents He has given us.

"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function,  so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another."

Romans 12:4-5 ESV

God has provided us with other people in our lives to build up, provide encouragement, hold each other accountable, and have a broader reach with spreading the gospel. While it's important to lean on each other, we first need to reach for God and seek Him for guidance and provision. Without Him in the center of our lives, our efforts are done in vain.

"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain."

Psalm 127:1 ESV

Each of us have weaknesses in one way or another. It's through those weaknesses that God's power is made perfect. He provides the things we need exactly when we need it. Sometimes the provision shows up within ourselves, but there are also times when the provision shows up as another person. God gives us everything we need in life. That includes other people. 

^"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV 

Sometimes the provision God has for us doesn't look like we think it should. Maybe you're short on finances this week and aren't able to get the groceries you need, so you pray for God to help you make ends meet. In your prayer you may be looking for the funds to show up somehow. But maybe instead of helping you financially, God puts it on someone's heart to bring you some groceries, or maybe your neighbor made an abundance of dinner and wasn't sure what to do with it all, so they brought some to you. 

It can be so easy to get caught up in our own expectations and how we think things should be done. That's why we hold onto the control so tightly. It can be scary to let someone else (or God) put their hands in the mix. God knows, and He loves us through it.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

God's plans for you are for the good and full of hope. As long as you are abiding in Him, you have nothing to fear. God doesn't want or expect you to do anything on your own. Not a single thing. Even if you aren't directed to working with a person, His expectation is that you are relying on His help and His strength to make it through.

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My invitation to you:

During your time with God, take note of areas in your life that you cling tightly to. Areas you feel you have to control or you struggle to ask for help in. If you're having a hard time coming up with any, think of areas in your life that feel full of stress and/or anxiety. Those are opportunities for God to move.

Once you have your list, ask God to reveal to you possible solutions or avenues that you may have never considered before. It's important that during this exercise you're laying down your expectations to allow your heart and mind to be open to what God wants to reveal to you. He could show you anything. Maybe it's a person you hadn't thought of in that way or it could be a thought to adjust your work schedule differently. God works in many ways, so don't discredit any thoughts that may come your way.

Once you have some possible solutions, pray over them. Invite God into stressful situations. Ask Him to open doors and give you the courage or boldness to move in the direction He is guiding you. God is not a god of confusion or fear. His direction will have a peaceful and calm sensation. They will be clear. If you are feeling anxious about it, pray. Talk to God to discover the source of the anxiety. Is it the fear of letting go, failure, disappointment, or the unknown? Whatever the case may be, God is there to help you through every step along the way.

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Dear Lord,

Thank you for giving us the gift of community. You have woven each part together with such intention and purpose. Help us to embrace the gifts of others and welcome collaboration with You and those You have placed in our lives. Without support, our growth is limited. Thank you for giving us exactly what we need, when we need it.

In Jesus' name. Amen.