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
When we become Christians sometimes it’s necessary to separate ourselves from places or people that cause us to stumble in sin. The interesting thing about that transition is that there are times when it calls for solitude. Solitude is when we create space for dwelling in the Lord’s presence. In order to make those windows of time, we may have to release some habits or mindsets that we’ve grown accustomed to. However, we can’t let solitude turn into isolation. Even in the middle of a transition, we still need community. We still need to be connected to the body of Christ, but God may be calling us to shift our communities.
One of the most cunning tricks of the devil is isolation. From the garden in Genesis, we see how the snake isolated Eve and inserted doubt into her mind about God’s character. We see how Jesus was tempted in the wilderness while he was fasting alone. And we know that the devil will use the exact same tactics on us if we don’t have the wisdom to recognize his schemes and fight back.
Hebrews teaches us one framework of what this looks like. As Believers, we are called to be obedient to the teachings of Jesus Christ. We’re called to live in community; loving and encouraging each other. God’s call for solitude does not exempt us from fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Engaging in solitude may require us to build our community in new ways. Sometimes this looks like finding a small group or discipleship with mature members of the body of Christ. This may look like seeking opportunities to be in relationships with people who are further ahead of the call you’ve been given. It’s the time to explore your boundaries for places of new growth.
The key is to lean into wherever God is stretching you. Sometimes the reason that you feel alone when embarking on something new is due to a lack of community. There are people who have lived experiences that will encourage you and strengthen your faith if only you step out and find them. You were created for community within the body of Christ. Make a decision to choose connection over comfort.
Today, I just want to encourage you to find community. You were designed to have a spiritual family that can walk alongside you, encourage you, and support you when you stumble…
