Today’s scripture: 2 Cor 1:1-11 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
Today we start our journey through the Book of 2nd Corinthians. Paul begins by writing of the afflictions being suffered by Christians. When Paul talks about afflictions, this parallels life, especially as we experience afflictions in the days of our life.
I lead the West Side Oasis, and if any group can tell you about afflictions, it is the West Side Oasis. We have experienced so many afflictions from various directions. We kid ourselves at times and say we should be called the “Emergency Room Oasis.”
Just a few weeks ago, someone was hospitalized with severe pain. The following week, someone had shoulder surgery. Someone else had already had shoulder surgery just last year. And yet, one other member is going through physical therapy to avoid shoulder surgery. We have had a knee replacement, death of parents and nephews, foot surgery, diverticulitis, cardiac failure stage 1, temporal lobe epilepsy, severe uncontrollable hives, kidney stones, gall bladder surgery, thyroid nodules, surgery on both hands, severe depression, severe joint pain, PTSD, stitches from dog bites, severe allergies, incapacitated parents, and financial devastation. Most of this has been within the last year. Can we tell you about afflictions?
Even with all of these things happening, like what Paul says in verse 11 to the Church at Corinth, the West Side Oasis carries onward. Verse 11 says:
“as you also join in helping us by your prayers, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many”
And that’s what we do. We are there for each other. We pray for each other. We are there in the hospital, or the waiting room, or at each other’s homes cooking, cleaning, and helping each other through the times of affliction.
Let’s be honest. When the hard times of life happen, it can get difficult. But when you have people around to remind us of the blessings of Christ, the example he left us with, and that God is with us, even in the muck, it is a little more bearable. The burden of life seems to be lessened, and you know that you have the support of a community.
If you have not joined one of LifeJourney Church’s Oasis Groups, maybe it’s time you have. (The list can be found here http://lifejourneychurch.cc/about/oasis.)
The camaraderie that Paul describes happens in an Oasis group. If you are not in Indianapolis or near by, perhaps you can find a small group of spiritual friends to be your Oasis. The people are there for the joys and sorrows, the good times and bad. Keeping each other in prayer even when you are apart tends to draw everyone closer together. Paul’s experience and writing in this letter is something that still holds true today.
Thought for the day: Where do I get my encouragement and support in community? Is it time to join an Oasis?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.