Forward: 21 Days of Fasting and PrayerIhe Atụ

SPURRING ONE ANOTHER ON

In 2 Samuel, the Israelites were confronted by their enemies, who attacked them from the front and back. Joab, the commander of King David’s army, split the army into two, with half led by him and the other half by his brother, Abishai. Joab strengthened Abishai’s resolve and stirred his spirit by telling him that even though they were fighting battles on two fronts, that either of them would help the other if they were being overwhelmed. They were not fighting two separate battles, but together as one.

We are called to stand with each other. The people of Israel would only win the battle if both Joab and Abishai experienced victory on both fronts. Battles are not won alone! More often than not, our personal victories are possible only because others have come alongside us, believing, encouraging, and giving us strength as we fight for our breakthrough. In our lives, we may know of others who are in the midst of a battle. God has called us to stand by them and to do all that it takes to see them achieve their victory! 

We must be willing to sacrifice. Choosing to stand by each other may mean sacrificing our convenience, our time, and even comfort. In fact, we might even be fighting battles of our own while helping others! Even when we find that we don’t have enough, the truth is that God is able to supply all that we need! As we choose to stand by each other, we find the strength and courage to stand, knowing that we’re not fighting our battles alone, and that God’s purpose will prevail. 

Is there someone you know who is fighting a battle? Choose to come alongside and stand with them, and do all that it takes to support them until they receive their victory.

Reflect:

• How have others stood by you in the midst of a difficult situation? How did that make you feel?
• Identify someone (e.g. a new believer) whom you can invest your time, effort and energy in. Commit to seeing the person grow in his walk with God.

Prayer:

Dear God, open my eyes to those whom You have placed in my life. Give me a heart for those who are going through difficult situations. I know that You will enable me to stand with them until we see the breakthrough that will come from You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.