IRON SHARPENS IRON

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV

Were you the child that wouldn’t raise your hand in class, even if you knew the answer? Or hide behind the classmate in front of you, hoping the teacher wouldn’t see you? Or hide behind a parent when someone would simply say “hi” to you? Were you that shy child? I certainly was. I was ok around my friends, and I had many, but those I felt in authority or had great confidence, even those I thought knew more than me, terrified me. I was afraid that if I opened my mouth and spoke, something stupid would come out, and I’d be criticized, mocked, or laughed at. I honestly don’t know where that came from. It wasn’t from family. I know there were comments about my shyness on some of my reports through school.

So, I realize that through my adult life, I built this wall between me and others. It wasn’t a dislike for people. I loved listening to and learning from others. I find people very interesting. I would soak up all they were saying or teaching. But shy me wanted to stay in the background and didn’t want to participate. I would listen to others and learn, but I would just try to figure it out for myself if I was stuck on something. To me, it was just a way of life, and when I think of it now, it was a key to my feelings of loneliness. It came to me just recently that I built that barrier, that wall that keeps out the good. But in doing that through my life, that wall also kept in too much of the bad. Then came another one of my many BUT GOD moments. He sent me further out the door to gather, somewhere unknown, and begin to fellowship with others.

In 2015, after LifeStart, I began in a LifeWomen group. I was terrified. I remember sitting in the LifeCenter Kanata café, looking around, listening to what everyone was saying. I was in such awe of the knowledge in the room. I was eager to learn what was being taught. I was excited, but I didn’t want to talk. But there was that one day, Pastor Lori asked for a volunteer to speak the memory verse we were to learn for the week. I believe that God had His hand on my arm and raised it in the air. I felt shocked when Pastor Lori called on me. I said it but fumbled over one part. But for me, it was a beginning, and I know it was totally God’s plan. I wasn’t nervous to the point I didn’t want to go back, and I was more eager to gather and learn. GOD was stirring me with a desire to come together in fellowship, build a bond of sisterhood and the teaching of what it really means to be in the Body of Christ.

I remember the first time I heard Proverbs 27:17: “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” It was a moment I felt that scripture being stamped onto my heart, and I knew it was on purpose. God doesn’t waste anything. There’s always a reason. Over the last six years, I’ve come to realize the importance of gathering together.

Fellowship makes us stronger. No matter where we are in our faith, listening to the testimonies, struggles and rejoices of others help strengthen us, build our faith and remember why God placed us where He did—for such a time as this.

Fellowship gives a great picture of who God is. Of course, we’re not perfect; we all sin. But, somewhere in our stories is that wonderful truth of what God has done for each of us, out of His limitless overflow of love.

Fellowship encourages. We all have bad moments and can become disillusioned. It’s amazing how someone can help us keep our eyes on God and bring the light back into our dark moments. I love how there is always Kleenex, a shoulder and prayer available.

Fellowship helps us to grow and learn. I’ve realized that it’s so much easier to learn with others than struggle to understand alone. Learning is a gift of God, and He wants us to share what we have learned and listen and learn from others.

Fellowship reminds us we are not alone. This was my most joyful lesson. Somehow, I knew I would grow stronger, come to know more about our wonderful Abba, hear words of encouragement and learn. But God didn’t want me to struggle with that heart of loneliness that was weighing me down. I always felt I had so much in my heart that I wanted to say, but nobody to share with.

God has shown me that coming together with others will provide the necessary piece of the puzzle that will help me realize I am part of the greatest family – the Body of Christ.

I love Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!”

Thank you, Father, that You want Your children to all to come together to grow stronger, learn from each other, encourage one another, to remember we are never alone and to learn more about Your goodness and Your love for each one of us. Thank You for Your Truth that iron sharpens iron. Amen.