February 15 - Strive Together.

Philippians 1:27
“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;”
 
The Lord sends people into our lives for a reason.
Sometimes for encouragement during a trial you are facing.
Sometimes so you’ll learn a lesson about whom you can trust.
Sometimes for counsel to help you make the right decision.
Sometimes for strength to continue despite the enemy’s attack.
Sometimes so you won’t feel alone.
And sometimes, because you need someone to strive together with for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Someone you can earnestly contend for the faith along side.
 
A friend in life. A friend in the ministry. Side by side.
 
Every once in awhile God crosses your path with people that you can “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind” together. Those kindred spirits with which our hearts are knitted that can only come by the Lord’s provision and grace. 
 
Philippians 2:2
“Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”
 
Whether you have one or several, be thankful for those people in your life. They are invaluable to your life and to the ministry that God has called you to do for His glory.
 
Sometimes they have been there for years before you realize how much they have invested in your life. Sometimes they come right when you are at your wits end and willingly hold the rope of your life to allow you to climb back up. Sometimes they just show up beside you to encourage you to keep pressing on, and it seems as though they had been there your entire life.
 
These are the ones who…
…encourage you when your head hangs low.
…fill your life with fun and laughter.
…keep you accountable.
…make coffee taste sweeter.
…stay to help clean up or finish the project.
…through silence can make the best conversation.
…rebuke you gently when you have gone astray.
…remind you of what is important.
…lead by example.
 
If you are lacking someone to strive together with, ask the Lord to send you someone. He wants to show us His love by the encouragement of others. God wants us to come to Him for every single thing we need in our life.
 
Whether you strive together hand in hand daily in ministry or miles or oceans separate you, God has placed these kindred spirits in your life to remind you how much He loves you and knows exactly what you need.
 
Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
 
Who are you “striving together” with for the Gospel?
Thank God for them today. 
 
 
Bible Reading:
Exodus 40    |     Matthew 25