Surrounded…that’s how I felt as I opened the card from someone I had never met.
1 Thess. 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Col. 3:13 says, “Bear with each other.”
This wonderful woman was being, not only a hearer of the Word, but a doer. Not only that, she was sending encouragement to someone she doesn’t know. But she didn’t even stop there – she also sent a personal monetary gift to a person she had not yet met.
It wasn’t the first card I received since battling this medical issue. I have received several from the church members of a woman I love with all my heart, Pastor Karen Jethroe.
You see, when Pastor Karen learned what I was dealing with, she had her entire church pray for me. I was, indeed, surrounded in prayer. Words can’t express my gratitude.
The Bible says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” Eccl. 4:9-10
Pastor Karen’s church members are not the only ones who have prayed and stood with me. Kelita has picked up a lot of slack in keeping us going. She has also sent me a couple of audio prayers I listen to when things get hard. I know she prays for me and my family every single day.
Karen & Kevin Hardin have covered me in prayer daily. I am so thankful.
My friend, Randy, has prayed for me over the phone as well as sent audio prayers. Another of our wonderful partners sent me an audio prayer – these are a blessing to me, and I listen to them often.
My family has been wonderful as well. Breanne has been such a daily, wonderful blessing. My Mom has remained close. My sister Keva, checks with me every single day, speaking the Word of God over me.
Many of our partners have sent emails and cards of encouragement. Through this I have realized something without question. We do not walk this world alone – they are many with us. Cheering us on. Praying for us. Encouraging us. Loving us just like Christ does. How can you ever repay that kind of love that sticks closer than a brother? You can’t. You can only be there for them when they need the same kind of prayer.
We are not alone. We are surrounded with God’s people, there is no better place to be.
I am so very thankful for all the prayers – keep them coming. I am beyond thankful for the cards of encouragement. And the monetary gifts humble me beyond words. Thank you to every single one of you.
1 John 4:7 says, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.”
These have all been expressions of love.
Friends, we are not alone. Gods people are surrounding us, loving us, praying for us, cheering us on. Holding our arms up when we can’t hold them up alone. We all need it at one point in our life.
May we embrace and be thankful for that outpouring of love. AND most of all, may we be one of those who surround others who are going through difficult challenges. May we love them through it all. May we encourage them and lift up their arms. May we always stand in the gap for those who need help.
Two are better than one. For they have a good reward for their labor. It is my prayer for you as you hold others up, even when it is not convenient, that you have a good reward for your labor.
For those who have stood by me, encouraged me, lifted me up, and sent monetary gifts, I pray you have an awesome reward for your kindness and love toward me. God says He will bless those who bless us, I pray you are blessed beyond measure, even this day. And I thank you. I love you all.
May we surround one another until there is no lack and none hurting or fighting alone.
Meditate on this!
But through love serve one another. Gal. 5:13
