Day 13: Finding Strength in Community
Scripture: Hebrews 10:25 – “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Devotional
There’s a quiet temptation many of us face in our walk with God—the temptation to go it alone. Sometimes it’s born out of hurt. Sometimes out of pride. Sometimes it comes from simply being overwhelmed and thinking it’s easier to retreat than to engage. I’ve felt that pull myself—times when I’ve thought, “It’s just me and God, and that’s enough.” But as well-meaning as that sounds, it misses something foundational: God never intended for us to do this life alone.
From the very beginning, God declared, “It is not good for man to be alone.” That wasn’t just about marriage—it was about community. We were made for connection, for doing life together.
The Christian life is full of challenges. There are spiritual highs, yes—but there are also valleys. And it’s in those low places where the strength of community becomes a lifeline. When we isolate, we become vulnerable. Doubt creeps in. Discouragement grows louder. Temptation feels stronger. But when we stay connected to a Christ-centered community, we gain strength, clarity, accountability, and encouragement.
The early church understood this deeply. Acts 2:42–47 paints a beautiful picture of what that kind of community looked like:
- They gathered daily.
- They prayed together.
- They shared meals.
- They cared for one another’s needs.
- They worshiped in unity.
And the result? They thrived. Not because life was easy, but because they walked through it together, grounded in truth and motivated by love.
There was a season in my life when I drifted from Christian community. It wasn’t dramatic. I just started missing a few gatherings here and there. I told myself I was tired, or busy, or “still doing okay spiritually.” But over time, I noticed the change—my thoughts felt heavier, my faith felt thinner, and my joy was fading. I hadn’t realized how much I needed others speaking life into me, praying with me, challenging me, and simply being there.
If that’s where you are right now—on the fringe of community or maybe completely detached—this is your reminder to take that step back in. It might feel vulnerable, or even awkward at first, but it’s worth it. Find a group of believers who are serious about following Jesus, and plug in. Go to the Bible study. Join the prayer group. Reach out to that person you’ve been meaning to text.
And if you’re already rooted in a faith-filled community—praise God! But don’t stop there. Ask the Lord, “Who can I encourage today?” Sometimes a simple word, a prayer, or a check-in is exactly what someone else needs to keep going.
Because this walk of faith? It was never meant to be a solo journey.
Additional Scripture for Meditation
- Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: “Two are better than one… For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.”
- Romans 12:4-5: “For as in one body we have many members… so we, though many, are one body in Christ.”
- Galatians 6:2: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Reflection
- Have you been isolating yourself from biblical community, even unintentionally?
- What do you fear or hesitate about when it comes to deeper relationships with other believers?
- Who in your life could use encouragement today—and how can you reach out to them?
Practical Application
- Step Toward Community: If you’ve been disconnected, make a decision today to attend a gathering, join a group, or reach out to someone in your church.
- Send a Word of Encouragement: Text, call, or message someone today to check in and offer a word of encouragement or prayer.
- Pray for Your People: Spend five minutes praying over the people in your faith community—your church, small group, or even your online fellowship. Ask God to strengthen them and deepen your relationships.