Someone Needs What God Has Taught You

Scripture:

When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch. After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. – Acts 18:22–23

Think:

Paul went back.

After landing at Caesarea, greeting the church, and returning to Antioch, he set out again. Luke tells us that he traveled through Galatia and Phrygia, “establishing all the disciples.” He returned to people who had already heard the gospel because believing in Jesus was the beginning of their journey. They still needed strength for the life that followed.

We are not told what each conversation held. Perhaps someone had questions they had been afraid to ask. Perhaps opposition had worn down a believer who once seemed fearless. Perhaps someone was discovering that following Jesus had not made every part of life easier.

Paul could not assume that yesterday’s faith meant they needed no encouragement today.

Neither can we.

Think about the person who always seems steady. The friend who knows Scripture. The leader who prays for everyone else. The husband or wife who keeps doing what needs to be done. We can become so accustomed to their faithfulness that we stop asking how they are.

They may still believe every word they have told us about God. They may also be finding it difficult to get through this week.

Paul’s return reminds us that strengthening believers is part of the work of the gospel. Grace brings us to Christ, and we continue to need that grace as we learn to trust Him. Sometimes God strengthens us through someone willing to come close, listen carefully, and remind us of the truth we have become too weary to hold firmly on our own.

You do not have to have an answer for everything. You can sit beside someone in their uncertainty. You can open Scripture with them. You can pray when all they can do is cry. You can tell them what God has taught you through a season you once thought you would never survive.

What He has carried you through may help someone else keep going.

But that will require more than assuming they know you care. Send the message. Ask the question that allows an honest answer. Return to the person you have not checked on because they seemed fine.

Somewhere in your life is someone whose faith needs strengthening. They may never announce it. They may simply keep showing up, hoping someone will notice how hard it has become.

Application:

Who have you assumed is doing well because they are dependable? Reach out today, ask how they are really doing, and make room to listen and pray.

Prayer:

Father, help me notice the people whose weariness is easy to miss. Use what You have taught me to strengthen someone else. Give me the love to move beyond good intentions and reach out today. Amen.