Locked Arm in Arm | Friday
Devotional
The widow of Nain wasn’t alone in her grief. The text tells us that a large crowd from the town was with her. Though they couldn’t change her circumstances, they walked alongside her, sharing in her sorrow. Similarly, when Jesus arrived, He came with His disciples and a large crowd. Two communities converged at this moment of pain.
This beautiful picture reminds us of a profound truth: we were never meant to face darkness alone. God designed us for community, particularly in our moments of deepest need. The church—the body of Christ—becomes the physical manifestation of Jesus’ presence in our suffering.
When storms rage against us, when grief overwhelms us, when doubt assails us, we need brothers and sisters who will lock arms with us and help us stand firm in the truth. Sometimes they carry us when we cannot walk. Sometimes they speak truth when we cannot remember it. Sometimes they simply sit with us in silence when words fail.
And remarkably, this need goes both ways. Not only do you need the church, but the church needs you. Your presence, your gifts, your story—even your struggles—strengthen the body. When you allow others to support you in your weakness, you give them the opportunity to exercise their faith and grow in Christlikeness.
Today, consider both how you might need to lean on your faith community and how you might be called to support someone else who is struggling.
Bible Verse
“I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'” – Isaiah 46:10
Reflection Question
In what ways have you been trying to face your struggles alone rather than allowing the church community to support you? Conversely, who might God be calling you to come alongside in their time of need?
Quote
When the winds come, when the storms come, when the rain is beating up against your life or my life, we are locked in arm to arm so that we may hold each other up in the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of community. Forgive me for the times I’ve tried to walk alone when You’ve provided brothers and sisters to journey with me. Give me the humility to receive support when I need it and the sensitivity to offer it when others are struggling. Help our church to be a place where no grief is ignored and no suffering goes unseen. In Jesus’ name, Amen.