From Lukewarm to Devoted

Community in Christ saved my life. During some of my darkest days, being part of faith communities provided a glimmer of hope in what felt like a sea of despair. You see, growing up hyper-independent, I had become accustomed to spending time alone and handling things by myself. While independence is great, navigating storms alone is the last thing anyone needs. We were created for community; after all, God Himself said, “It is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18).

This year, I made a conscious decision to deepen my commitment to Christ. I knew that meant prioritizing finding the right community and actively engaging in fellowship. One of the bible studies I joined was an awesome young adults’ small group studying the Book of Matthew, led by my pastor and his wife.

This community became my lifeline during my darkest moments. They embraced my questions about the Bible without judgment, prayed for me during trials, and provided a safe space where I could be real and share my highs and lows. They reminded me of God’s goodness when I couldn’t see it myself. Through this small group, God sent people with timely words to strengthen my faith when I was feeling defeated. 

As I navigated life’s trials over the past few months, these small group experiences and other fellowship opportunities taught me invaluable lessons. Here’s what I’ve learned: 

Get Out of Your Room 

In the toughest seasons of life, when you’re facing trial after trial, or perhaps one particularly challenging trial, avoid isolation at all cost. Get out of your room!  While it might seem comforting to seclude and shield ourselves from vulnerability, this is a trick of the enemy. Sometimes, in isolation, the only voices we hear are our own and the enemy’s. Our negative emotions, such as anger, frustration, or sadness, can become magnified and fueled by our thoughts and the lies the enemy plants in our minds.  These toxic thoughts can loop in our minds, trapping us in a cycle of negativity. Babyy, we need a fresh perspective! So, get out of your room because, as Ecclesiastes reminds us, “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9).

Get Into the Right Rooms

Surround yourself with people who will speak faith and hope into your life, who will embody the love of Jesus for you. Find people that will acknowledge your feelings while also reminding you that emotions are not facts or truths. Get into rooms with people that remind you that the Word of God is Truth and will speak those words over you even when it is hard to hear.  Listen to them, even if you initially receive their words with skepticism. Simply being in the presence of other believers is powerful, as the Lord promises, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20). Choose environments where people will remind you of your identity in Christ, before the hurts that hardened your heart.

Additionally, get into the rooms where people are worshiping. Even if you don’t feel like it, command your soul to praise The Lord (Psalm 103:1). That means, going to those worship/revival nights at your church!  Immerse yourself in places where people are sharing The Good News and testifying of God’s goodness, no matter what your current situation is. Be present in spaces where people remind you that your trials will become part of your testimony and affirm that God is still good. Go to service, in-person, so you can hear your pastor declare that God’s comfort outlasts the pain. Get in the rooms where people prophesy about the future, reminding you that Jesus is our living hope.

Stay in those Rooms 

Once you find yourself in the right rooms, commit to staying in them;  so that you can see God move in your life, through community and fellowship. “Just keep showing up!” A dear friend of mine often says this at the end of our weekly women’s class, and it holds true. The essence is simple: stay engaged in that Bible study, that small group, that serving team—whatever it may be—just keep showing up.  Stay in those rooms so that your faith will be strengthened by those around you. They will be a support system ready to lift you up if you stumble. It’s within these rooms that you cultivate friendships characterized by vulnerability and intimacy.

Think of it like physical therapy for your soul and spirit—you don’t expect to be healed after one session, right? No, you keep attending each appointment with the anticipation of healing. The same principle applies to fellowship. Keep attending every gathering you can, allowing the Lord to heal your heart through the warmth and closeness of community.

So, step out the darkness of your isolation and into the light of Christ. Find the right communities and commit to staying in them. Today is the day the Lord has made, so rejoice in it! Rejoice with people that love you—or who would love the chance to!  As Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” So be encouraged my friend, be encouraged. 

With love,

Chantele