Reading: Daniel 3
Ladies for Jesus just completed another great retreat this past weekend. The retreat was sponsored by Old Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church and held at Centenary Camp. One of the things I love about the retreats we do is the fellowship we have with other believers. We come together to learn more about God's Word and deepen our walk with Christ. In doing so, the testimonies we hear from each other is what lifts me the most. Hearing other Christians and how they have strengthened themselves in the Lord through their times of trial just warms my heart. The fellowship draws us closer to each other - strengthening each other individually and collectively in the Lord.One of my favorite Bible stories as a young child was about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. I am not real sure why it was one of my favorites. It could have been because of the amazing miracle that happened within the story. It could have been because these men were so bold and courageous during times when many would fall. It could have been the simple challenge to be able to say their names. However, I draw more today from the friendship of these three men. I am amazed at how deep a conviction each of them had. A conviction so deep they would stand before such a powerful king as Nebuchadnezzar refusing to obey his command even to death. To tell you the truth, if I was one of them, I would have called for a meeting - wanting to really chat things over before we decided this was what God wanted us to do. However, not these guys. You could tell they had fellowshiped together many times and in doing so they had strengthened each other. They were so knitted together by their faith in God that even though they were facing death by a fiery furnace, they told King Nebby, "No need to defend ourselves before you. You are going to do whatever you want anyway - so just go ahead and do it. If you throw us in the fire, then we will be at the hand of our God, the true God, the one we serve. Whatever may happen, we will never serve your gods or worship your statue." WOW - what faith?! WOW - what a friendship?! Founded on God, strengthened by God, victorious through God.
Are you drawing close to other believers? Are you sharing with them your victories in the Lord? Many times we as humans shy away from sharing with others. However, that is what the Lord wants us to do. He wants us to draw close to each other and build strong relationships in Him. Relationships that are founded on God, strengthened by God and ultimately victorious through God.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to not shy away from building friendships that will be victorious for you. Draw me to the events in my life that can help me to develop such friendships that ultimately draw me closer to You. In Christ Name. Amen.
