Running The Race Together: Why You Can't Do It Alone

0:00

Do you know why birds fly in flocks? For protection from predators. Not only is it harder for a predator to single out a potential target, but a flock can identify the predator faster than if one bird was flying alone. This is how walking with God is, but many of us are flying alone because of comfortability and shame. Many of us are introverts and would rather stay alone, but just like birds, we need a group to hold us accountable and be there when we need them. It's much easier for the enemy to attack when you're alone, lost flying aimlessly in the sky, with no one to fight for or defend you when you get hurt.

Too many people rely on themselves rather than asking for help. I want to remind you that you aren't supposed to do this walk alone. God wants community for all of us which is why serving and going to church is so important. As time goes on, God will slowly change your heart, like the way you dress, think and the media you consume. Because God is holy, we are called to be holy, and glorify Him in everything we do, ( 1 Peter 1:15) but that comes with time, and as your conviction grows, you'll start to notice a shift. But unfortunately gaining wisdom about God and His ways doesn't make "not sinning" any easier, but you lose the battle when you focus on it.

We all need to focus on Him, but sometimes we lose sight when we're alone and focus on the things we're getting wrong. We start to compare our walks with others, distance ourselves from God and doubt everything we've learned. I promise you this is from the enemy. He wants you to feel like if you mess up, God will hate you and that He won't look at you the same, but that's not how He operates. His love is constant, sacrificial, forgiving and everlasting. Nothing you do will make him walk away or look at you different. Do you know how many times God tried to help the people of Israel?

You lose sight of God when you make it technical, when you make your relationship with Him a chore. All God wants us to do is to love Him with all our heart, soul and strength. If your romantic partner had to make a list of how to please you every day and they only did so to make you happy but you could tell that their heart was not in it would you call that genuine? God wants genuine too. It is crucial to repent when you mess up, but we all fall short, so stop focusing on that. If I told you to show me how to walk, would you think like, "Wait now I gotta think about it." And then start walking funny because you're so focused on walking correctly, that's how it is when we focus on "not sinning".

What you need to know is that you aren't alone, being a follower of Jesus kinda sucks at times. You don't get to do whatever you want, but the reward for your obedience is indescribable. Paul says in Philippians 1:29, that we on Christ's behalf not only believe in him, but also suffer for him. We're no longer living the remaining time in the flesh craving human desires, but Gods will. So trials and tribulations will come, so it's important to get involved in your community, so that you feel less isolated in your thoughts and feelings because two is better than one. (Eccl. 4:9)

To prevent getting ate by a predator, we need a flock. We need people to be vulnerable with, even if for right now, that's Jesus. We need someone to confess too because the shame and embarrassment will push you away from Him, but having God fearing and kingdom minded people in your corner, will help you. If you're aware you're in an isolation season, pray everyday that God not only protects you from the enemy, but prepares you for his tricks as well. 1 Peter 5:8 says, "Be sober minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for anyone he can devour. " So understand that you are a threat. What makes flying less scary is when you're with people who are also scared. It's a shared experience. It invites relatability and vulnerability. "Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17. Being in the presence of a strong believer can help refine you, so seek out mentors, and other christians who are walking with God seriously, to help you stay afloat.

If you finish reading or listening with a lack of hope you'll find your community and feel alone, I have a prayer request form you can fill out, and I will pray and reach out to you personally. The people around you may not see you, but Jesus sees you so don't give up on Him because it's getting hard. This is the time to get stronger. God wouldn't put you through something He knows you couldn't handle, so fight the good fight of the faith.