Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him and be firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.     1 Peter 5:8-9 HCSB

The Bible never tells us that our life here on earth will be easy. It tells us we will be persecuted for Christ’s sake. It tells us we will suffer. We are told we must die to ourselves and pick up our cross daily.

It’s never easy to go through hard times, but it is easier to go through them when we have support. As Christians, we never face tough times alone.

God promises us in His word to be with us. God told Joshua in Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Psalm 91 promises God’s protection if we choose to abide in His shelter. Many passages tell us not to be afraid. As Christians, we not only have God with us, but we have our Christian brothers and sisters.

When I was growing up, the church was as big a part of my life as school was. I was there Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday night. I went to revivals and Vacation Bible School. I went to a Christian school where we had chapel services every Thursday morning and would have a sermon preached by the pastor of the church that ran our school. But as I got older, my church attendance became sporadic. I went to church but was not involved in church. I would skip church if I had something better to do. What could be better, right? But I didn’t understand this at the time.

There finally came a time in my life when I rededicated myself to the Lord. I longed to study His word and be with people who loved Him as much as I did. I wanted to be around mature Christians so they could mentor me as I grew in Christ. I was eager to obey His commands. I wanted to serve Him.

My church family has also been a great support to me as I have struggled and gone through hard times. Our Scripture passage tells us we must be careful because the Devil wants to destroy us. It tells us not to fret because other Christians are going through the same things.

We are told in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it.”

I look back on the wasted time of my life when I wasn’t active in church. What was I thinking? I have never had the peace and joy I do now. I have that peace and joy because I am not alone. I am not facing the struggles we all face in this life alone. I know my God is with me and I know my church family is there for me.

Many people tell me they can go to heaven without going to church. I suppose this is true, but why would you want to? I have to wonder if we don’t want to darken the doors of God’s house here on earth, will He truly invite us to live in His mansion in heaven for eternity?

We are told in Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us be concerned about one another to promote love and good works, not staying away from our worship meetings as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”

We also need to be a support system for our fellow church members.

We are all going to face trials and temptations. The question is will you go it alone? Will you trust in those who are lost to guide you? Or will you trust in Him and have the support of your church family? The choice is yours.

Those of us who trust in Him are His children and we are all in this together. Don’t go it alone.

Have a great day!