MONDAY
This week for the devotional, since we had serve Sunday last Sunday and I was on vacation last week, I asked a few people in the church to share how they have experienced church/fellow believers as sacred space.
by Helen Endl
I love getting an invitation don’t you? It makes me feel valued and loved. We can anticipate a fun and happy event, open arms, open doors and a big WELCOME sign. The best invitation ever is the one we get from Jesus. His invite beckons us: to rest (Matthew 11:28); to follow Him (Mark 1:17); to live in Him (John 15:4).
The benefits of accepting His invitation are many: love, peace, security, wisdom, protection to name a few. The best part is knowing Him deeper! His invite waits for us every moment of every day. We don’t need a church building or any special place. Bible Hub defines a sacred space as “where divine and human realms intersect”.
As believers, He lives with and in us, thus always present.
Yet, this is even better news! Matthew 18:20 tells us that if 2 or 3 gather as His followers, He too, is there with us! So I urge you to invite each other into your space. Share your fears, victories, weaknesses and sin. Let us create spaces to share life with Jesus together.
I have been witness to these beautiful events time and again. God has allowed opportunities for me to be a part of several women’s groups. This is what I’ve seen: Leaders take ill, others step up to teach or lead. Financial shortfalls happen, people donate funds. Rides are needed and covered. Loved ones die, illness comes and marriages are challenged. Prayer warriors rise up. It begins with an invitation. We must invite others into our mess. They can only encourage and pray for us when we offer them the invitation to come in.
When Andy and I arrived in our “empty nest” years, our lives changed in ways we never expected. It was not a time of traveling the country or fun and relaxation as we dreamed. Instead he spiraled into the darkness of depression and anxiety. It impacted everything: our finances, our friendships, our children, our marriage and my health. I didn’t know how to navigate it. While I drowned in fear, anger, loneliness and confusion, I did NOT invite others in. I was embarrassed and thought no one would understand. As a “good Christian” I should be able to handle this, right? I struggled with that lie for a long time. Then I prayed. A lot! God gave me assurance of His presence and confidence to invite others in. For 13 years now we have been lifted up in prayer. The struggle is still there but I am stronger, more solid in my faith and confident God fights for us. The regret I have is not inviting friends in sooner. Don’t wait like I did. Invite others into your sacred space. It is where miracles happen!