Sometimes I forget until it happens. Like it did yesterday: two different people at two different times on the same day offering a similar message. I could only think – believe – the Lord sent them to me with the words I needed to hear. They were voices of encouragement, comfort, and love, if only for a moment. They were voices of companionship. Their thoughtful words did not change any situation or difficulty, but they served as a vivid reminder that the Lord comes to us, He hears our prayer, and He does not forget about us and our needs. And sometimes, as these were for me, they are reminders to continue to be patient and faithful in our trust in Him.
He does that, doesn’t He? Gently works through us to provide support and comfort when we lift one another, pray for one another, and especially love one another as He does. I had to admit to myself that I was strengthened by these two friends, these companions in faith and hope. I had to acknowledge that I hadn’t been forgotten even though my frustrations tried to convince me I had. It was a grace I did not expect to receive in a place I was not looking for it, and that’s the extraordinary and wonderful gift of companionship unified in Christ. Thanks to my encounters and the words shared with me in love, I was moved to return to a simple but strong prayer and verse I had put away: Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (Rom 12:12)
We are nourished in the Body of Christ, comforted in times of sorrow, and strengthened in hope when we share our faith, our trials, and our good news with each other. This special companionship along our journeys of faith is life-giving. Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. (Ecc 4:9-10) As we seek to hear His voice and feel His love in the words and deeds of others, let us also pray that the Lord works in us so we become that companion of faith who helps another up and offers the healing and loving voice of Christ.
Journeying to Grace 