“As iron sharpens iron, so does one person sharpen another.” –Proverbs 27:17

God rocked my world this weekend! I just returned from an amazing retreat filled with faith, fellowship and competition. For those of you who don’t know, I’m involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  This weekend I attended the annual Texas College Advance and spent time worshipping our awesome God with 400 college student-athletes.

This is my third year attending the retreat and each time God does a work in everyone’s heart – totally legit. I am far from perfect and it’s awesome to see God continue to mold me into who he ultimately wants me to be. It’s a fun (picture 40 athletes pushing a massive soccer ball around trying to get to the other team’s goal – hilarious), but challenging weekend. Every message hit me hard. As we closed this morning and headed back to our universities (and reality – bleh), three words stuck with me – Do Life Together.

While we are at retreats or camps, we are rejuvenated and on spiritual highs (Jesus is real and it gets crazy!). It would be easy to remain in this atmosphere, constantly surrounded by our brothers and sisters who are striving for the same eternal crown, but God calls us to go out and make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18-20). We have to go back to reality and continue doing his work. It isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it. We’re persecuted and we’re tempted.  In those times of persecution and temptation, we get by with the comfort of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Scripture reminds us of the importance of Christian community over and over again. Galatians 6:2 tells us to “carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”  Ecclesiastes 4:12 states “and if somebody overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.” Looking back on this weekend, there were 400 children of God in one place. I’m going to say that one more time for dramatic effect…400 CHILDREN OF GOD IN ONE PLACE! I’m not a math person, but that is 397 more people than stated in Ecclesiastes…can I get an amen?! That’s one strong cord!

So here’s my point:

Yes persecution and temptation is inevitable, but we aren’t going through it alone! We’ve been blessed with teammates (7 of my teammates enjoyed the weekend with me…talk about team bonding!), roommates, friends, family and FCA members (I know I’m leaving out other categories, but you get the point J) to help us through these trials. So here’s the challenge – Let’s “Do Life Together” and glorify our loving, merciful, gracious God. Who’s with me? J

Here’s to doing life together! God Bless and Enjoy!

Meredith

“Now all the believers were TOGETHER and had everything in common.” – Acts 2:44