HEAL - God's Heart for Healing in JohnSample

Creating Community

We’re introduced to two more disciples in today’s passage, Philip and Nathaniel. The Scripture says Jesus found Philip, then Philip found Nathaniel. Jesus suggested both “follow Him.” This sounds like joining a “small group.”

Creating community is always important, but particularly during a healing journey. The Word teaches us: a cord of three strands is not easily broken, together we are much stronger against the lies of the enemy, and we’re safer from the wolf when gathered in a herd. In a very famous passage, Psalm 23, we learn that if we stay in the herd, focused on the Shepherd, He will make us lie down in green pastures, lead us beside still waters, and restore our souls! Simply put, we’re better together. While traveling this healing journey, let’s find ourselves some like-minded believers who will encourage us as we encourage them. For example, reminding each other of the thousands of promises God has made to us in His Word can be the most helpful medicine.

 Often times, illnesses can bring us together in community; however, it's important that the focus of that community should be on pursuit of wholeness, not glorifying the disease. Are you in a community that is helping you pursue spiritual and physical wholeness and wellness by knowing more of Him?

QUESTIONS:

1. How does focusing on my illness instead of His promises glorify the enemy?
2. How can I encourage a fellow journeyman/woman today?
3. What did Jesus promise Nathaniel at the end of this passage?