by Melissa Meyers
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
I clicked open the group text to read, “thinking of you, praying for you, how are things today?” Last year in Renovaré, our Bible study group kept a running group text throughout the whole year. At first it was just meant to keep everyone updated on changes in the class schedule or lesson plans. But, then prayer requests started coming through, and if someone hadn’t attended for a while a touch point to make sure everything was okay would pop up.
The group texts became a place of encouragement.
When I think of these group texts, I imagine spiritually a group of women sitting together in a room, just waiting to build someone in the group up. If someone had a prayer request they just needed to reach out and there were ten to twelve people ready to pray for their need or celebrate with them in a time of praise. This organically emerged because the members of the group felt safe to be vulnerabile and time and again people responded in a sensitive way.
Please pray for…I’m struggling with…this is happening, can you pray…
Our study was important, but in all honesty, the group dynamics of loving and encouraging one another was way more important. I can see that now, especially since this year, my work schedule prevented me from participating in a Renovare group. And I miss it. Biblical encouragement revolves around strengthening, exhorting, and urging each other on to spiritual truths in Christ. As we sought what God had for us, encouragement of the body just happened naturally. I pray you find that kind of connection as well.
This month’s edition of The Stir is chock-full of articles and testimonies to encourage you. You’ll read about women lifting up each other, testimonies of being blessed in Renovaré, and how art and the Take Them a Meal program are being used to bless others. Read a book review about a stunning novel called, The Covenant of Water, file away several new pancake recipes with family connections, and try out some fun November craft ideas.
Melissa Meyers is co-editor of The Stir, wife to John, and mother to Malcolm (18) and Emily (15). She is a Neonatal Nurse and Creative Writer. She is the author of, Beneath the Ancient Dust: Inspirational Stories from Nine Years in Afghanistan. Her hobbies are reading, taking long walks, traveling, and drinking coffee. She will accept an invitation out for coffee anytime.