Builds Your Beliefs

‘Father to the fatherless, Defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; He sets the prisoners free and gives them joy…’ Ps.68:5-6

We know by now that God created us for connectedness and it His desire for us to be planted in a Church family. ‘God places the lonely in families’. There are a lot of benefits of being planted in a Church family. Five of such benefits will be treated over the next few devotionals. The very first benefit of being planted is that when you are planted it builds your beliefs. Your faith grows as God places you in a Church family. How does this growth occur? When you are planted in a Church, you become committed. Your commitment leads you to attend the larger group’s worship experiences where you hear the Word. Additionally, your commitment leads you to become planted in a life group where you also benefit from focused Bible study. At such meetings, you do not only get to hear the Word. You get to benefit from people’s personal experiences and ask questions. ‘So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ’ Rom.10:17. Unfortunately, a number of people have refused to submit to being planted in a Church and in a life group. For such people, they believe that the young life group leader has no knowledge to impart on them. Especially since they have been planted in the Church family for much longer. ‘Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall’ Prov.16:18. The life group leader may not be perfect but are you perfect? ‘When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do’ Matt.9:12. The Church is not made for perfect people. People have various reasons for not being planted in a Church. Yet the truth is that there is a level you need to build your faith to that can only happen when you are planted in a Church. In Church, you have practical experiences of healing and as such you are able to believe God for healing. It is one thing to know Jesus; it is another thing to experience Jesus. When we are planted in a Church, it strengthens your faith and builds your beliefs.

Prayer: Father, help me not to reason away Your plans and purposes for my life. Teach me to align with Your purpose and remain planted in a Church family, in Jesus Name.