You Don’t Have to Fight Alone
Scripture
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
— Galatians 6:2 (NKJV)
“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
— James 5:16 (NKJV)
Devotion
This weeks sermon pushed against a common Christian tendency: when someone falls, we gossip instead of restore. We “buffet” people at the kitchen table instead of bearing their burdens. Yet Scripture is clear: we share an enemy in common, and we are called to fight together.
Galatians 6 says that when a believer is overcome by sin, those who are spiritual should “gently and humbly” help restore them—and to be careful not to fall into the same temptation. That humility comes from knowing: “That could be me.”
Pastor Darren urged something simple but powerful: sometimes all you need to say is “Pray for me.” You don’t have to give all the details; in fact, oversharing can stir up gossip. But you do need people who will hit their knees for you, without needing all the drama, because they love you.
To “make it,” you cannot walk this road alone. Even Joseph needed the cupbearer to eventually remember him. Daniel had his three friends. Paul had Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, and others. Jesus Himself surrounded His earthly ministry with 12 disciples.
Isolation makes you easy prey. Community—honest, humble, praying community—makes you stronger. Let others carry part of your load and be willing to carry theirs. That’s how we “make it” together.
Reflection
Prayer
Jesus, thank You that You never meant for me to walk this journey alone. Forgive me for isolating myself and for judging others instead of restoring them. Show me who my “prayer people” are—those I can reach out to honestly. And make me a burden-bearer for others. Knit me into a community where we help each other make it. In Your name, Amen.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
— Galatians 6:2 (NKJV)
“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
— James 5:16 (NKJV)
Devotion
This weeks sermon pushed against a common Christian tendency: when someone falls, we gossip instead of restore. We “buffet” people at the kitchen table instead of bearing their burdens. Yet Scripture is clear: we share an enemy in common, and we are called to fight together.
Galatians 6 says that when a believer is overcome by sin, those who are spiritual should “gently and humbly” help restore them—and to be careful not to fall into the same temptation. That humility comes from knowing: “That could be me.”
Pastor Darren urged something simple but powerful: sometimes all you need to say is “Pray for me.” You don’t have to give all the details; in fact, oversharing can stir up gossip. But you do need people who will hit their knees for you, without needing all the drama, because they love you.
To “make it,” you cannot walk this road alone. Even Joseph needed the cupbearer to eventually remember him. Daniel had his three friends. Paul had Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, and others. Jesus Himself surrounded His earthly ministry with 12 disciples.
Isolation makes you easy prey. Community—honest, humble, praying community—makes you stronger. Let others carry part of your load and be willing to carry theirs. That’s how we “make it” together.
Reflection
- Do you tend to isolate when you struggle, or do you reach out? Why?
- Who are two or three people you can honestly text, “Pray for me,” without fear of judgment or gossip?
- Is there someone in your life right now whose burden you could help carry through prayer, encouragement, or practical support?
Prayer
Jesus, thank You that You never meant for me to walk this journey alone. Forgive me for isolating myself and for judging others instead of restoring them. Show me who my “prayer people” are—those I can reach out to honestly. And make me a burden-bearer for others. Knit me into a community where we help each other make it. In Your name, Amen.