The following post titled 'Linked In' is based on our Meaning of Life series across C3 Sydney's 11 Locations
“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.”
James 5:13-14 (NIV)
1. Linked In to God
Be seeking God at all times. When in need for whatever reason, pray first! Seek God first. Yes, seek assistance from others but seek God first. Make Him your first priority, every time. 1 Samuel Chapter 30 tells the story of King David and his mighty men returning to their camp at Ziklag. The Amalekites had attacked the camp in the men’s absence, burnt all the homes, robbed them of all their belongings and kidnapped their wives and children. The men were devastated and angry. David was distressed because his men were talking of stoning him, blaming David for the disaster. But David “found strength in the Lord his God.” (v6) David enquired of the Lord before planning a response. He was strengthened and the Lord told him to pursue the Amalekites.
When in trouble do what David did, seek after God first because God will meet you in your time of need (Psalm 92:1-2 ; Psalm 46: 1 NIV)
Also in James 5 we read of Elijah, described as a human just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain and the land was in drought for over 3 years. Then he prayed for rain. It took a little longer for this prayer to be answered but Elijah didn’t stop praying. We’re told, “Again he prayed …” (v18) Be committed to prayer and don’t just pray once and stop. Keep praying until you receive an answer.
2. Linked In to our Church Community
An important part of being Linked in also includes being linked in to others. Ephesians 6:14-17 describes the spiritual armour God has given us:
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (v 14-17 NIV)
However, there is one area of the body that is left exposed: our back! We all have blind spots and weaknesses in our life but our church community can be our support and help. There will always be a friend in church who will have your back!
3. Linked In to Connect Leaders
James 5:14 tells us that when we are sick we call the pastors of the church and have them pray over you and anoint you with oil. We should view our Connect Leaders and Coaches as are our pastors and this is a great reason to join a Connect Group so you can seek their help if in need. The church is full of stories of how the prayers and support of others has helped to change a situation. Leaders can connect you with others in the church who will assist you. Don’t keep all your troubles bottled inside. Stay linked in to God, linked in to your church community and stay linked in to your leaders -they will help you.
Something to talk about:
- Share amongst each other which one of the three ways of being Linked In requires strengthening this year.
- Share an example when you’ve first sought the Lord when in need and experienced a change in your circumstances.
- Share an example when a member of the church community or a Connect Leader has helped you in a difficult season.
