Reaching Out

For a large part of my life I dealt with loneliness. I felt as though no one cared about me except my family. I longed for friendship. I went about 5 years or longer wishing and praying I had a friend.

I honestly was praying God would give me a friend and make this friendship just happen. I didn’t want to be rejected or step out of my comfort zone. I didn’t want to have to work for it. I just wanted this longing in my heart to be fulfilled.

The whole time God was working. He was showing me people I should seek friendships with. He was preparing relationships for me. None of it could happen though without me taking a step.

There are definitely times when we are called to wait and be still. Such as now. Besides staying home and taking some precaution there isn’t much we can do to end this. We just have to wait for those who can.

While we are in a time of waiting though we are called to act. One of the hardest things about this is being separated from those we love. Feeling lonely. We aren’t trapped in this though. This doesn’t have to be our reality. Just like I wasn’t trapped for 5 years without a friend. I just needed to answer my call to act.

Colossians 1:17 He (Jesus) existed before everything and holds everything together.

God acted to have a relationship with us. He actively chose to come and die on the cross to be with us forever. God is still working now. He is working to hold the church together. He is working on us growing in the understanding that church isn’t the building. It is us His people. He is calling us to continue to be the church and to not only gather to learn, but to gather to connect as a family.

There are so many ways to connect during this time. Besides our main ways of communication, such as texting and calling. We can also video call, to feel more connected. 2 popular apps to do that are Google Duo and Zoom. You can make it really personal and intentional by writing someone a letter. You can get creative and buy a walkie talkie to stay in touch with a neighbor (fun idea for kids and their friends close by). You can go on a walk with someone. I saw 2 ladies recently in our neighborhood walking together on different sides of the street. There are endless ways to connect and remain together during this time.

Jesus I pray that you help us to escape this lie and bond of loneliness. I pray we receive the truth. That we are connected with so many in Your family. That we have power in you. Boldness in you. To overcome our fears of reaching out. To overcome the lies of why we shouldn’t. That we will act and in that be a blessing to those we are reaching out to. Lifting them from the lie into your truth and love. Thank you for making us relational. For wanting a relationship with us and being an example of how to have a relationship with others. In your name I pray, Jesus. Amen

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