Yesterday, I was able to go to a church service. When I received a message in the morning that there was a way I could safely attend (immune issues are not fun!), I cried and rejoiced and cried and rejoiced as I was getting ready. Outside of one time to attend for a baptism, it has been six and a half years. What a tremendous blessing.
It is one of the churches which I watch online. Everyone was incredibly friendly, even the teenagers. This tells me a lot about the teaching and spirit of the church.
This morning, two verses hit differently.
“13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.”
“24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
For us, we do not always have the privilege of attending church regularly. We must stand fast in our faith daily “on our own” so to speak. We can only do this by purposely staying close to Him, staying in His Word, praying, listening to messages, and reaching out to others as much as possible.
In a sense, our physical weakness makes us stronger in the faith. We must be dedicated and diligent.
As I communicated with one of the pastors of the church, I realized that we also must take it on ourselves to reach out to others in the church. They may be hesitant to come to us. Don’t be offended! It can be awkward enough reaching out to someone new. For someone who also may look different, it can be doubly awkward. If you are able to attend a gathering of believers, reach out. Be the one to encourage those around you. If you can’t attend, contact a local church to encourage the pastor to find out what ways you can be involved. You see, I am telling myself this as much as I am telling you!
God will help us through this. We can still be involved and a part of the fellowship of believers. We can still stand fast in our weakness. “With God, all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
Yesterday, it was such a blessing to be in the church with God’s people, worshipping with them!
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