Scriptural Foundation:
Hebrews 10:24-25 New King James Version (NKJV)
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Galatians 5:25-6:3 New King James Version (NKJV)
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
Proverbs 27:17 New King James Version (NKJV)
As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Reflection:
For those that know me, I am a hugger. I love giving hugs and I love…LOVE…receiving hugs! Like laying on of hands, so much comfort and strength can be transferred in an embrace. In his letter to Timothy, Paul reminded his disciple of their last “transfer”:
Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. – 2 Timothy 1:6-7
As Believers, we are built to be overcomers. Jesus through His sacrifice guaranteed by His blood that we would go from victory to victory (1 Corinthians 15:56-58). That sounds awesome when you read it and even more powerful when you say it, but then there is the “in-between”. The in-between period is the time from when the Lord spoke to your heart (yes or no to a request) to the time His Word manifests.
This is a critical moment in your life, like Job, situations; love one’s opinions; and your own thoughts/words will always challenge the Word that was given. The Book of Job has a lot to unpack on so many levels, but for the purpose of the “in-between”, let’s just look at the highlights:
- Job was a Believer.
- Through his actions, he allowed the devil into at least one area of his life (Job 1:5).
- In destress, he sawt the Lord. (Stir up)
- He had some three friends that were Believers, but their advice brought on more sorrow then encouragement. After deliberating with them, Job countenance grew dimmer. (Bear up)
- Then came the one friend that provided Godly wisdom. (Sharpen)
- Although still distressed, Job refocused on the Lord and that resulted in a restored life.
- His life was a testimony of God’s faithfulness.
The “in-between” is the Job experience. We as Saints are under a new covenant and have been equipped by the Word of God to stir up, bear up, and sharpen each other. There will be distractions (self-made and devil instigated), but hold tight to the Word. This will eliminate the extras, allowing our victories to arrive that much faster and be that much sweeter.
Stir up
Each of us have untapped “potential” in us. This potential (i.e. power) has been imparted to us through the Holy Spirit. This power can only be stirred up/awakened in the presence of the Lord. Personal devotional time is vital but being connected to Body of Believers is just as important.
Bear up
It is through fellowship with other Believers that we realize that we are not alone in our struggles (1 Peter 5:9). However, we must choose our Godly council by their fruit. As in the Book of Job, there will be Believers that speak and act contrary to Word but praise the Lord our God is faithful and will always place someone in your life that will point you back to Him.
Sharpen
We all have strengths and weakness. In God’s perfect plan we are double-edged swords, sharpened on both sides. Unfortunately, we live in an imperfect world where sin abounds. Praise God, grace abounds greater than anything in this world (Romans 5:20). As a result, the Lord will place other Believers in your life to sharpen your dull “sides”. We are His Body here on earth (1 Corinthians 12:12-13). We all have a part to play and that part entails being stirred and using our strengths to sharpen the weakness of other and vice versa. It is the dependence on the Lord primarily and the inter-dependence of our faith communities secondarily that will bring about revival in these last days.
Seeking Revelation:
Grab your notebook:
- Are you taking time daily to soak in the presence of the Lord? This will stir you up!
- Are you ministering daily to family and friends in Love (1 John 4:8)? This will bear them up!
- Are you sowing and receiving Godly wisdom daily? This will sharpen you up!