You ever wondered if God created you to be independent?
How many self-made folks really did it all by themselves?
I wonder why that image of the person doing it on their own is so appealing?
My testimony will always have episodes of people encouraging me. However much I wanted to lean into loner credentials, the truth of the matter remains that at critical stages of my development God had put people in my life to urge me on. They were cheering me on even if I didn’t feel like doing it, or, worse still, if I didn’t feel worth or able of doing it. Specific people who would have that conversation, make that connection, share that quality time with me and essentially remind me that I belong to the Family of God. As a part of that family I have a role to play and the Body thrives when each part does its job. That means for the Body to thrive, I needed to get out of self-absorption and self-pity, get out of that and realise that there are others to be served.
God has deliberately designed the Body to be run by interdependent parts and it is designed in such a way that parts support other parts and are themselves supported.
This blog might have words typed by one person and a signing off implying that this is down to one person. The reality is that this blog would not be possible if it wasn’t for people doing a varitey of things to support; dropping a like on an article, sending an email of encouragement, otherwise letting me know how much they value what’s written here. Also friends who pray for me, pray for the things I commit myself to and pray for my family as well.
Yes, there are lonely hours. There are times when it feels it’s just me on my own, experiencing the setback. This is why it’s also good to know that this is done for the glory of God and as a response to His grace, I see Him take this seriously in words of encouragement to me. Words that remind me that I’m not on my own. That His presence is with me and when I lift my head, He will point out another brother or sister ever ready to cheer me on.
It’s with that reality in mind, that I endeavour to do my bit to be a cheerleader for others as well. Ever looking for what there is to pray for another, ever looking to see what to celebrate in what the other does and ever looking at gifts, skills and abilities that are there to be a blessing to us. It’s a great habit to have as it turns things to praise and thanksgiving to God and then to edifying and encouraging those who exercise those gifts, skills and abilities.
This life business is something that God has designed for us to be in together. It makes sense to make the most of that reality to help others up as well as help them out.
And for those who have helped me out and continue to help me up – please once more receive this heartfelt word of thanks.
(Photo by Nicholas Green on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 