Trials 2

I said yesterday that when you are going thru a trial, that there were several steps that you needed to take. The first step was to find solid ground. Now the second step:

Step Two - Find Solid Fellowship

Now let me explain fellowship. Fellowship is NOT a shoulder to cry on, although that is valuable. It is NOT a person who will always back you up and let you completely vent, although there is some place for that.

Fellowship is sharing. You need someone who will share the trial with you, who you can share you thoughts and feelings with, who will bear your burdens with you (Galatians 6:2). Fellowship is help and support. In Exodus 17, the nation of Israel fought against the Amalekites. The battle raged fierce. When Moses held up his arms, the momentum went to Israel. When he dropped his arms, it went the other way. Aaron came along side and held up one arm and Hur came along side and held up the other (Exodus 17:12). That is a picture of sharing suffering to get thru the trial.

But fellowship is a two way street. It is more than listening. A friend will listen, dry tears but in the end, will point out areas that need to change and point you back to the cross. Those comments my hurt (Proverbs 27:6) but they will reap a harvest of righteousness.

So when you hit that trial, pour your heart out in honest fellowship. But be ready - no - desire the encouragement of a friend (Colossians 4:8).

Because...God can change the trial at anytime. What he wants to do is change you.