L.I.F.E. Groups: The Fellowship of Mutual Strength and Support

Strength and support. Both are fundamentally essential to victorious living in Jesus Christ and His Church. God’s Word speaks often about strength: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. (Ephesians 6:10). The Scriptures also call attention to the need forone another, reciprocal, support: Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10). Here’s the point! So many times, the strength that is needed comes from the loving, caring, and sharing support of fellow believers. Think about the story of Derek Redmond. He believed he could win a silver medal for Great Britain in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. He was running in the semifinals of the 400 meters. But coming out of a turn, he heard a snap, felt the sharp pain and dropped onto the track. His hamstring had literarily exploded. But Derek, refusing to quit, pressed on in pain trying to reach the finish line. On his way, Derek felt a hand on his shoulder. When he turned, he was looking into the face of his father. Jim Redmond had pushed his way through the crowd and onto the track to tell his son that he didn’t have to finish. When his son insisted, Jim decided that they would do it together. They walked the rest of the course, Derek crying on his father’s shoulder all the way to the finish line. He finished the race! It’s true. All believers are running this spiritual race trying to reach the finish line. Paul writes about his personal race at the end of his days: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:8). But what the apostle says next is very significant: Be diligent to come to me quickly. (2 Timothy 4:9). Why the urgent request? Because we receive strength and support from fellow believers. This is a primary goal of L.I.F.E. Groups. Believers meet week after week to be a source of timely strength and support for one another. Guess what? We really do need one another. At Waterbury, L.I.F.E. Groups are on the way. This will prove to be a God sent blessing in the life and labor of our church. VHH