Anchored in Community and Mission – Day 23 – You’re Not Meant to Do This Alone
Click More in Description for Devotional and Questions or click on link below
Scripture Reading:
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
Acts 2:42-47 NIV
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Proverbs 27:17 NIV
Devotional Thought
What’s something you’ve been carrying quietly—assuming it’s just yours to deal with?
We’re good at functioning on our own, even when it’s exhausting. But independence can slowly turn into isolation.
Most of us value independence. We like to believe we can handle things on our own, push through challenges, and manage our struggles quietly. But from the very beginning, God designed us for something different.
The early church didn’t just share beliefs—they shared life. They showed up for one another, prayed together, ate together, and walked through both joy and difficulty side by side. Faith was never meant to be lived in isolation.
Real growth happens in community. When we’re connected to others, we’re encouraged when we feel weary, challenged when we drift, and supported when life feels heavy. God often uses people to bring healing, clarity, and strength into our lives.
Scripture even invites us into a deeper kind of honesty with one another. James writes, “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” This isn’t about shame or public exposure—it’s about freedom. When we bring struggles into the light with someone safe and trustworthy, their power begins to fade. What stays hidden often keeps its hold, but what’s shared in grace can be healed.
Confession doesn’t mean having all the right words or sharing everything with everyone. It means choosing honesty over isolation. It means letting someone walk with you rather than carrying everything alone. God often brings healing through community—through listening ears, prayerful hearts, and the reminder that you’re not the only one still growing.
You were never meant to do this alone. You were made for connection, for shared faith, and for a community that helps you become who God is shaping you to be.
Reflection Questions
Who is one person God may be inviting you to open up to—and what might change if you didn’t have to carry everything on your own?
Practice for Today
Take a step toward connection today.
Reach out to one trusted person—a friend, group member, or mentor—and share honestly about something you’ve been carrying. It doesn’t have to be heavy or dramatic; it just needs to be real.
If it feels right, invite them to pray with you.
Then take a moment to thank God for placing people in your life who can walk with you.