“Therefore encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”
—1 Thessalonians 5:11
In today’s fast-paced, entrepreneurial society, everybody has the urge to do things on their own. And although it may seem very noble to take on the world alone, is that really the way God has called us to live?
I mean, I get it. You want to prove to the world that you can do it on your own, that you don’t need others, that you are capable of greatness alone. But if your goal is to simply prove you can do something by yourself, is that noble or just prideful?
Even the best thinkers, creators, and leaders need support. Actually, these high achievers are probably more likely to seek out support than the average person. That’s because successful people have learned they can have an even greater impact when they develop partnerships.
Check out what author George Eliot has to say on the matter: “What greater thing is there for two human souls, than to feel that they are joined for life—to strengthen each other in all labor, to rest on each other in all sorrow, to minister to each other in all pain, to be one with each other in silent unspeakable memories at the moment of the last parting?”
In this quote from her novel Adam Bede, Eliote reflects on the beauty of what life is like when people come together to support one another, encourage, and minister to each other through the victories and trials of life. We see this in Scripture too. When Israel was at war against the Amalekites, Israel prevailed for as long as Moses’ arms were lifted. As he grew tired and dropped his arms, the Amalekites would take the lead. So Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ arms for him when he was too tired, ensuring Israel would win (Exod 17). Success required a team effort.
While reading and studying Scripture, I began to find more and more examples of the importance of teamwork and community entrepreneurship. Just look at these:
• David conquered Goliath with the power of the Holy Spirit, not by his own strength (1 Sam 17:37, 45–47).
• Noah built the ark with God’s guidance (Gen 6:11–17).
• Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt with God as his guide and the help of a sidekick named Joshua.
• Jesus preached the good news with the help of 12 disciples.
I think you get the point. Drop the pride. Let God guide you. Doing things on our own is exactly what the evil one wants us to do. Remember: We’re all in this together. We have a mission. We are the Church.
VERSE OF THE DAY
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take” (Proverbs 3:5–6).
CHALLENGE
Share: “I will stop trying to do things on my own. Even Jesus had 12 disciples. #30WordsBook”
DISCUSS
In what ways has God supported you throughout your life?
Why is encouragement and support so important to our lives?
Discuss instances throughout the Bible where God has given support to people in need.
30 Words Daily Devotion
WORD 26 - SUPPORT
“Therefore encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”
—1 Thessalonians 5:11
In today’s fast-paced, entrepreneurial society, everybody has the urge to do things on their own. And although it may seem very noble to take on the world alone, is that really the way God has called us to live?
I mean, I get it. You want to prove to the world that you can do it on your own, that you don’t need others, that you are capable of greatness alone. But if your goal is to simply prove you can do something by yourself, is that noble or just prideful?
Even the best thinkers, creators, and leaders need support. Actually, these high achievers are probably more likely to seek out support than the average person. That’s because successful people have learned they can have an even greater impact when they develop partnerships.
Check out what author George Eliot has to say on the matter: “What greater thing is there for two human souls, than to feel that they are joined for life—to strengthen each other in all labor, to rest on each other in all sorrow, to minister to each other in all pain, to be one with each other in silent unspeakable memories at the moment of the last parting?”
In this quote from her novel Adam Bede, Eliote reflects on the beauty of what life is like when people come together to support one another, encourage, and minister to each other through the victories and trials of life. We see this in Scripture too. When Israel was at war against the Amalekites, Israel prevailed for as long as Moses’ arms were lifted. As he grew tired and dropped his arms, the Amalekites would take the lead. So Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ arms for him when he was too tired, ensuring Israel would win (Exod 17). Success required a team effort.
While reading and studying Scripture, I began to find more and more examples of the importance of teamwork and community entrepreneurship. Just look at these:
• David conquered Goliath with the power of the Holy Spirit, not by his own strength (1 Sam 17:37, 45–47).
• Noah built the ark with God’s guidance (Gen 6:11–17).
• Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt with God as his guide and the help of a sidekick named Joshua.
• Jesus preached the good news with the help of 12 disciples.
I think you get the point. Drop the pride. Let God guide you. Doing things on our own is exactly what the evil one wants us to do. Remember: We’re all in this together. We have a mission. We are the Church.
VERSE OF THE DAY
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take” (Proverbs 3:5–6).
CHALLENGE
Share: “I will stop trying to do things on my own. Even Jesus had 12 disciples. #30WordsBook”
DISCUSS
Wilson, J. (2016). 30 words: a devotional for the rest of us. (2nd Edition, Ed.) (pp. 152–155). Bellingham, WA: Kirkdale Press.