Solidarity: Fellowship to Strengthen – Part 2
By Margaret D. Mitchell
God is gathering His saints (Christ-followers).
His powerhouse (Ac 3:7, 16; 16:5, 2 Cor 1:21).
John 11:52 TPT tells us "…Jesus’ death would not be for the Jewish people only, but to gather together God’s children scattered around the world and unite them as one."
God’s order is coming into place beautifully, being established through His mature bride for His return, by His Spirit.
Seated (Eph 2:6).
Immovable (1 Pe 5:9).
Undivided and in agreement with Him.
The opposite of the anti-Christ’s one world religion (He 13:9, 2 Pe 3:17).
But to operate in true solidarity—by grace, a strong fellowship of faithful Christ followers who bring Heaven to earth and strengthen others—we must first be faithful in solitude.
Solitude is made of up of the Latin word “soli,” which, according to Webster’s, is plural for “solo” and can mean “accommodating one person.” (For the purpose of this devotion, that One person would be Jesus and in essence, means many serving The Lord and others for His Kingdom.) “Tude” in “solitude” is derived from the Latin word tudo, which means state or condition.
As Christians, we regard ourselves as being set apart from the world unto The Lord. We refer to solitude as our “secret place” with God. Sometimes, we call it our “alone time.”
It’s where we commune deeply with God and are strengthened by His Presence, often in an attitude of prayer, worship, Bible reading or just being quiet before Him.
Matthew 6:6 TPT says, "But whenever you pray, go into your innermost chamber and be alone with Father God, praying to him in secret. And your Father, who sees all you do, will reward you openly."
One of the definitions of solitude that Webster’s uses is "A lonely place (as a desert)."
This brings to mind Jesus being driven into the desert by Holy Spirit to be tested for forty days, while angels ministered to Him during and after (Mk 1:12-13, Matt 4:11).
Solitude is an arena for desperation. But the irony here is that it’s “also where God richly grants His presence and provision for those seeking Him.” It’s where “the limitless Lord shows Himself strong in the ‘limiting’ (difficult) scenes of life” (HELPS Word-studies).
Solitude is a place of preparation, where God breaks open the way for us to see and receive His higher through revelation and His glorious Presence.
Jesus especially experienced this soon before He was about to be crucified for our redemption.
Matthew 26:42 TPT tells us, "…he left them for a second time to pray in solitude. He said to God, ‘My Father, if there is not a way that you can deliver me from this suffering, then your will must be done.’"
In-between the desert testing and His crucifixion, Jesus made solitude a practice:
Luke 6:12 TPT says, "…Jesus went up into the high hills to spend the whole night in prayer to God.
Mark 1:35 TPT reveals, "The next morning, Jesus got up long before daylight, left the house while it was dark, and made his way to a secluded place to give himself to prayer."
Jesus also practiced solitude with His team of disciples:
Mark 6:31 TPT says, "There was such a swirl of activity around Jesus, with so many people coming and going, that they were unable to even eat a meal. So, Jesus said to his disciples, “Come, let’s take a break and find a secluded place where you can rest a while.”
We all need solitude with God to grow and develop in our relationship with Him and get recharged from Kingdom work.
Abiding with Him day and night is the only way we can remain steadfast, wherever He sends us.
Solitude is a place where our heart is strengthened (Ja 5:8):
It’s where hope gets renewed, our passion is reignited, mysteries are revealed, healing happens and peace prevails.
It’s where we exchange our low life for His high life: Our lust for His love. Our carnal appetites for His desires (Ga 6:8).
It’s where crooked places are made straight in us (1 Th 3:13, 2 Th 2:17).
It’s where we become settled amid sifting (1 Pe 5:10).
It’s where we are reminded to remain enthroned above the entombment of our past (Ep 2:6, Lk 23:53).
And it’s the only way we can bear good fruit in every season (Ps 1:3).
Psalm 1:3 AMPC says, "And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity]. [Jer. 17:7, 8.]"
1 Corinthians 15:58 TPT encourages us to, "… stand firm, stable, and enduring. Live your lives with an unshakable confidence. We know that we prosper and excel in every season by serving the Lord, because we are assured that our union with the Lord makes our labor productive with fruit that endures."
Our strong union with God blossoms outwardly and exponentially in union with other believers to extend His love without falter. His Spirit enables us to minister in overflow.
In Colossians 1:23 TPT, Paul encourages us to "…continue to advance in faith, assured of a firm foundation to grow upon. Never be shaken from the hope of the gospel you have believed in…this is the glorious news I preach all over the world."
So, friends, will you dare to be made more solid (whole) with God for His glory?
He desires a house that will stand (Ma 12:25).
This is my prayer for us…
Dear Lord,
"Could there be any other god like you? You are the only God to be worshiped, for there is not a more secure foundation to build” our lives “upon than you" (Ps 18:31 TPT). "You’ve set” us “free from captivity and now” we’re “standing complete, ready to fight some more" (Ps 18:36 TPT)! Thank You for comforting and encouraging our “hearts and” strengthening “them” [making “them steadfast and” keeping “them unswerving] in every good work and word” (2 Th 2:17 AMPC). "Through you” we “ascend to the highest peaks of your glory to stand in the heavenly places, strong and secure in you" (Ps 18:33 TPT). Thank You for unseating Your enemies and shoring up breaches, by Your Spirit, and through Your people. Help us to remain in You and honor You—Your Presence and grace of glory-power. Your peace. Thank You for the safety and power in numbers, that "wherever two or three are gathered…in” Your “name, there” You are “in the midst of them" (Ma 18:20 AMPC). Thank You for prospering us everywhere You send us, by Your grace, enabling us to leave “the church stronger and more encouraged than before” (Acts 15:41 TPT).
In Jesus’ Mighty Name,
Amen
Margaret D. Mitchell is the Founder of God's Love at Work, a marketplace outreach purposed to share God's greatest power source - the love of Christ.
Originally published Sunday, 05 April 2020.
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