December 9, 2023: You Can't Do it Alone

You Can't Do It Alone

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“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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Because 2 is better than 1. Can I be real with you for a hot second? I know we're living in the era of feminism, girl power, and all of that but truth is some things we just need a man. Oooh. Don't be mad. We're different on purpose. God created us that way.

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“Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬-‭12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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The reality is, the miracle of Jesus’ birth never would have happened without Joseph. It's true. In that time-much of the miracle coming to pass relied on Joseph’s obedience. If he hadn’t claimed Mary as his wife, she could have been subject to death or cut off from her family, essentially from Israel. None of that could happen because Jesus was sent first to Israel and then to the gentile.

I’m not sure what you are going through right now but what I do know is that it’s better that you go through it with someone. Whether it’s your spouse, close friend, mom, or your whole girl clan, get into relationship with some God-fearing, Holy Spirit-filled, who give it to you straight kind of people.

Recently, I was really struggling with some hurt emotions. I was convinced that I couldn't share what I was feeling because I didn't want to damage the other person. I kept it bottled up for a year and a half. When I finally did, my friend gave it to me straight. She told me something I really didn't want to hear but knew it was God-ordained. I had spent so long feeling wounded and defeated, stuck-nearing bitterness and unforgiveness. But a word from a God-fearing friend sent me down a path of restoration.

Thank God for good friends! ❤️

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Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

James 5:17

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You can't do it alone. You were never supposed to. It's not God's plan. We need each other. Chris Hodges says it this way "We go to God for forgiveness, and to God's people for healing." It's the work of the enemy to keep us isolated, withdrawn, and unable to be open.

Prayer: Thank you God for your perfect plan, for your beautiful forgiveness, and for your amazing people. We are so grateful that your plan involves others. We know we couldn't do life without each other.

Get Together

Grab your people. Everyone brings a dish. Put on a sweater. And laugh. Laugh loud until your belly hurts and you almost pee your pants. Laugh because it might just be one of the best parts about living.

#advent2023