Being With Jesus: Solitude and Silenceনমুনা

Becoming More Like Jesus For the Sake of Others

Like the prophet Habakkuk, God has called us to serve others. Habakkuk 2:1-2 says, "I will stand at my watchpost, and station myself on the rampart; I will keep watch to see what he will say to me, and what he will answer concerning my complaint. Then the Lord answered me and said: Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it." In solitude, we may receive a word from God to share with others in our community.

Catherine de Hueck Doherty once wrote, "those who go into the deserts of solitude and silence do so for others. They are to bring back any word they receive from God and share it with others. This is a gracious service to be rendered, for no individual can hear all that God wants to say. We are dependent on one another to receive the full counsel of God. The smallest member can bring us a word—we dare not despise the service." 1 Peter 4:10 echoes a similar message, "like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received."

Apprenticeship with Jesus is the process of becoming more like Christ in every area of our lives for the sake of our neighbor. When we come together as a community, sharing and receiving are vital to hearing everything God wants to say to us as individuals as we pursue becoming more like Jesus.

Today what message has God been stirring in your heart that He wants you to share with your community?

In contrast, how is God trying to use others to reveal His truth to you in a new and fresh way?

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