"But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see." (Deuteronomy 3:28)
I have referenced this passage before, but I want to concentrate on God's command to Moses to charge Joshua - but more importantly to encourage him, and strengthen him.
When we would go on a mission in the Army, we were given a briefing before we even started. In that briefing was contained enemy strength information, enemy positions, potential weapons and other dangers we might encounter, etc. As a leader, I was given full authority to follow through with the mission, but I was to remain in contact with my superiors. I would pass back to them updated information gathered by my team, but also to report how we were doing accomplishing the mission. After listening to all of this, my commander (or Lieutenant) would put this new information with all the other reports he had gathered to get the "big picture". He would then advise us on how to proceed given the current situation. One last thing he would do, however, would be to encourage me as the team/squad/platoon leader - to remind me that we were doing good in our sector - and to give me further instructions. But that encouragement was invaluable! My group may not have conquered the whole enemy, but we were doing our part for the overall victory. It was my job, then, to pass that encouragement on to my troops so they would feel better about themselves and perform better.
It is the same within the church. We are told to not forsake the gathering of ourselves together. We are told to strength and stablish one another in the faith. We are told to correct or discipline those under our care (as leaders within the body). All these promote the welfare of the body overall and assure us of further victories in our lives. If one of us is struggling with something, the others gather around and offer their support, prayers, and encouragement. If a family is in a tight spot, the other families gather around and offer any help they can - be it mowing the yard, cleaning the house, watching the kids, bringing food, or helping them with their bills - until they can get back on their feet. That has been the church model practically walked out since its inception.
Today I challenge each of us to find someone in our circles who is struggling. Maybe they are struggling with depression, PTSD, feelings of separation, personal loss of some kind. Just send them a text message, call them, email them, or (what a concept) tell them in person you are thinking of them, praying for them, and ask if there is anything you can do for them. I know, I know, you might get taken advantage of. More often than not, you won't. Use some wisdom, to be sure, but if you do happen to get played, turn it over to God and walk on. SO MANY people around us feel isolated from the world! Just reach out to one. Let them know the power and love of Christ through you.
Be blessed.
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