Sustenance: Through Fellowship
Ephesians 4:16
Ever wondered why birds move in flocks? Why bees thrive in hives? Why the wolf, though strong, is vulnerable alone but thrives in a pack?
Even the simple wisdom of a proverb reminds us: “A bundle of broom sweeps better than a single stick.”
You were never designed to do life alone.
Now, take a moment and reflect on the camp meeting we just had. Think about how powerful it was, from the worship to the prayer sessions to the teachings. Every moment was impactful. Yes, words had gone ahead. You prepared. Your heart was positioned to receive, and your spirit was sensitive to the move of God. But there is one thing you must not overlook: the gathering of believers.
When temples gather, a lot is bound to happen, needs are met, joints supply, and God is glorified. And that is exactly what we witnessed in the meeting. The atmosphere was charged, filled with the glory of God. Words were shared, confirmations were received, the power of God was on display and lives were transformed. This was a meeting that echoed the pattern God set for His people.
This is God’s design, beautifully revealed in Scripture. Take a look at Ephesians 4:16.
Ephesians 4:16
New King James Version
16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
God’s design is for each part of the body to build, sharpen and encourage one another. Each individual is a supplying joint capable of supplying to the next person. And it is through this that the body is built up. This is how the body of Christ is structured, and we see this clearly demonstrated in the early Church.
Acts 1:4, 12, 14
New King James Version
4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me;
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey.
14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
Jesus instructed them to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit. Notice how they obeyed; they waited together as a community, praying and taking advantage of fellowship. Even after they received the promise, they continued to gather together.
We have just completed the first part of the camp meeting. We have received words, and we know what God has promised us. It is only wise, then, for us to follow God’s design and emulate the early Church by continuing to gather, not just until the next meeting, but even beyond.
This is vital because the body is necessary for the believer’s sustenance.
Fellowship is God’s structure for the growth, accountability, and strength of the believer; it is not just a one-time thing.
So don’t fall for the idea that one powerful meeting can carry you for months. Don’t overcompensate by leaning on that single experience and neglecting the very structure God put in place for your growth.
Hebrews 10:24-25
New King James Version
24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
The writer of Hebrews admonishes us not to neglect the gathering of believers. We are to hold it in high esteem and show up.
When you show up for meetings, you’re stepping into a space where:
• You’re held accountable.
• Others can have your back.
• You can be stirred up to good works.
• You can be built up and remain standing strong.
• You can be reminded of God’s words and instructions.
It is very easy to slip into overcompensation, especially after such extensive periods of prayer. But the gathering of believers will help guard your focus and help you sustain and build up what you’ve received.
So don’t neglect these gatherings, even if you don’t feel like it, just show up. Never underestimate the power of simply showing up. Because people would always be there to spur you on.
Alone, little can be achieved; however, together, much more can be achieved. And even being alone leaves one vulnerable. But with the unity and strength of the body, there is that safety and accountability.
Galatians 6:2
New King James Version
2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
It’s also important that we look beyond ourselves to help one another because it is our responsibility as members of the body.
The challenge to you today is this: do not allow the impact of a powerful meeting to become just a memory of a broken voice and spiritual experiences. Instead, commit to the structures that have been set in place to sustain such spiritual experiences. Take advantage of and embrace this community we have.
Prayer point
Father, help me to remain consistent with the structure You have set for my growth, that nothing I have received in this season will fall to the ground. Every single thing is sustained, and my life is forever changed.