We Get Through Tough Times Better Together

Better Together - Main

 

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

 

In some ways it feels like the world is falling apart right now, doesn’t it? I know God is in control. He is not taken by surprise in all this, and his offer for peace is enough for my problems. But as a Pastor of growing church in the North Phoenix valley, I hear so many problems that I’ve learned I have to continually be around other encouraging people and pastors to keep my head on straight and heart strong! Here is a sample of the issues I have heard from friends of North Valley, in the last 4 days. 

 

  1. A family had to evacuate their home due to a wildfire.
  2. Another packed their bags and waited as watched as fire trucks were outside their door.
  3. Another family member lost their job and is praying to be hired.
  4. A friend just lost a cousin to COVID-19.
  5. A couple in our church frustrated about the political tensions.
  6. Another is really upset and angry about the racial injustice and lack of peace in our country.
  7. A police officer is tired of staying out late to try to break up riots.
  8. Another one is quitting, and leaving his retirement plan because he’s sick and tired of being hated.
  9. A young mother is afraid her child could have contracted the coronavirus.
  10. A young girl struggles with an increased sense of anxiety having lost connection with her friends.
  11. A father is frustrated having to work at home, with all the distractions and tensions that brings stress into his workdays.
  12. A young man is sad because he can’t see his mom in s nursing home.
  13. Another family has been waiting for months to go home, but can’t due to travel restrictions.

 

 

I CAN’T HELP YOU THAT MUCH, BUT JESUS CAN

  

As a Pastor for roughly 20 years, I have learned a few things. First, I can’t really help people that much, but Jesus can. I pray for those that share with me their stories, and I then quickly challenge them to call out upon the Lord for help. I have learned over the years from the encouragement and support of my wife that I need help to get through the hard times. Some of the hardest times of my life were greatly assisted with Godly friends. 

 

WHO DO YOU INVITE INTO YOUR GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE?

 

It’s important to note that Jesus himself needed help from his friends. When he was facing the reality of his death, he found a quiet place to pray the night before he was to be crucified. He invited his friends to come with him to pray together, to talk together (Matthew 26:36-38). It was there in the Garden of Gethsemane that Jesus called his friends into his pain and struggle.

 

As a Christian do you invite others into your Garden of Gethsemane? Have you shared your fears? Have you asked others to pray for you? Jesus did! If Jesus felt it important to do this, shouldn’t we?

 

We are called to bear one another’s burdens, and by doing so we are fulfilling the law of Christ, which is the second commandment to love one’s neighbor (Galatians 6:2-5). If we are strong, we are able to help those who are weak (Romans 15:1). This is the duty of the Christian, to stand together in tough times. Pray for one another, call one another, help one another. This phrase occurs in the New Testament 100 times. What does this mean? It means we are better together, especially in tough times.

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