Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Be firm in your faith and resist him, because you know that other believers in all the world are going through the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5: 8-9

Isn’t drawing strength from the fact that others are suffering trying to feel better at someone else’s expense? Not necessarily. When temptation beckons, when pain, anxiety, or other troubles loom large, we often feel isolated. When we feel alone, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and throw in the towel. That’s probably what our Enemy wants. Divide and conquer. Cutting off one victim from the pack is how roaring lions attack their prey. But our isolation is an illusion. As believers, we are called to live in community. We are all members of one body, the body of Christ. We are not alone. Even though we might feel separated by illness or distance, external circumstances or inner struggles, we are not alone. We are united with all other believers on the planet, as well as those who have gone before us.

 Strength in numbers is not a new idea, but when united to God, the power of those united increases exponentially. Jesus tells us where two or more are gathered in His name, He is there in their midst. Affirming that we are not alone in our struggles enables us to resist the lie of isolation. A sense of solidarity inspires and empowers us to endure.

Prayer: Lord, show me the way out of isolation. Help me reach out to those who may also feel isolated.

Reflection for sharing: How can I strengthen my connection with other believers today?