Friday 1 May, 2020

30 So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. 31 The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. 32 Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. 33 After spending some time there, they were sent off by the believers with the blessing of peace to return to those who had sent them. [34] [a] 35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord.

Stepping outside what I see with my natural sight to connect with and encourage other believers isn’t something that comes naturally to me. 

My incredible wife has an amazing ability to think of people who we haven’t seen in ages. She remembers dates like anniversaries and birthdays of friends who live overseas and makes a point to write to them or call or message. 

But I have always been the sort of person where if something isn’t right in front of me, I’m probably not going to think of it. 

But in this season of social distancing and isolation, I’m trying to be more like the, Paul, Silas, Barnabas and Saul; stepping out of my comfort zone to bring connection, fellowship and encouragement by trying to call or message at least 10 people who I wouldn’t normally connect with per day. 

Lord, In this season where the church isn’t able to physically gather, I wonder if we are able to maintain the unity of the church community if everyone rises to the challenge of making connections outside their normal group of friends, or beyond those they see on Facebook? Lord help your church rise to the challenges that are ahead! 

Written by Ps. Justin Ware