"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25
I have always dreamt of writing books. I remember going to book signings as a kid and staring at the authors with stars in my eyes and daydreaming about what it would be like to be an author one day. Maybe like me, you have some crazy dream or maybe you have something you imagine doing that feels far off or even impossible.
It takes a lot of endurance and patience to chase a crazy, God-given dream. But it also takes people.
Over the last few weeks, as I've been working through book revisions, I couldn't help but notice how integral the people who are in my life have been in the process of chasing my God-given dream.
I need people who believe with me.
People who believe God is going to do big things, that God wants more for my life and theirs, and that God cares deeply for us.
I also need people who believe for me.
People who will draw a line in the sand and believe God is going to move even when I start to doubt it. I need people who will point me back to God and back to the dream He gave me and the promise He made me when I start to forget, or get distracted.
I actually think that it's really important to be surrounded by people who have the Kingdom of God in mind, who know you, see the calling and gifting on your life, and can remind you and point you back to your purpose in it.
In these verse in Hebrews I love the picture of "stirring up one another to love and good works."
I can't take full credit for this blog, or my upcoming book.
My husband was the one who came up with the idea of a weekly newsletter (he'll be thrilled to read this). My mom paid for a membership to a writing program for Christian women for me. My friends have prayed and prophesied over this blog and the message of my book. My writing group in Nashville has helped me brainstorm and to encourage me.
And all of them have "stirred up" something in me, and pushed me into the good work God has for me in this.
In the context of this passage in Hebrews David Platt wrote, "Don’t approach church with a consumeristic attitude, but approach church seeking how you can help stir up others in love and good works."
I think it applies to both inside and outside of the church, and I think it applies to the dreams and hopes God has put on your heart.
You need people who believe with you, who stand by your side and encourage you, and you need people who believe for you, and push you into the next or new thing God has for you.
And you also need to be that person for someone else.
You need to consider how you might stir someone up today in love and good works.
Maybe it's sharing encouraging feedback to a coworker, maybe it's committing to praying together with a friend, maybe it's stirring your family to start a new God-honoring healthy habit.
I think God is constantly speaking to us, and today, I think He wants to stir some things up in you and through you to impact the community He's places you in and the people you're surrounded with.
Journaling Prompts:
-Reflect on the people God has placed in your life who have "stirred up" something in you that has resulted in love and good works.
-How might God be directing you to "stir up" someone else today in love and good works?
-Consider the community around you and your role in it. Invite the Holy Spirit to speak into it.
Action Step:
Ask God to help you notice an opportunity to encourage someone in your life this week. Maybe it's writing an encouraging note, speaking to them about a way God might be using them, or praying for them.
Prayer:
God, thank you for creating me for community. Help me to find people who can encourage me to do the work you have for me, and can push me toward love. Allow me to also be that person for someone else. Be present in my friendships and send your Spirit to stir up things that result in love and good works all for your glory. Amen.
