3 day plan

Not Alone - Part 1

Day 2 of 3

NIV

Galatians 6:2

2Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

I love the imagery of Aaron and Hur holding up Moses’ arms when he grew too weary to do so himself (see Exodus 17:12). Or Simon of Cyrene carrying Jesus’ cross for him when he was weak, bleeding and bruised (Matthew 27:32).

Both scenarios depict our human weaknesses, and the fact that we can’t do hard things, or God things, alone.

Motherhood is also a time when we can feel weak. Birth, and the early days can knock you around like nothing you’ve ever known. Life with under-fives is a roller coaster in and out of sleep deprivation, heightened emotion and unwashed hair.

But whether its raising small humans, working hard in our business or job, caring for family members with special needs, or volunteering for a cause – we need a team. People to come alongside us, people to cheer us on, and people to hold up our hands (or hold a baby) when we can’t do it any longer.

Question
Are you surrounded by people who can help you, or do you feel alone? Ask God to give you your people, and the courage to be that person to someone else. He is faithful to answer our prayers. Just watch him do it.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, you have not created us to be alone. I pray that you would surround me with people who will support me and encourage me in my walk with you. I also ask that you help me carry others’ burdens as a way of demonstrating your love. Amen.

Days

Galatians 6:1-18

Doing Good to All

1Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5for each one should carry their own load. 6Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.

7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Not Circumcision but the New Creation

11See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!

12Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh. 14May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. 16Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God.

17From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.