"For I long to visit you so that I can impart to
you the faith that will help your church grow strong in the Lord. Then, too, I need your
help, for I want not only to share my faith with you, but to be encouraged by yours: Each
of us will be a blessing to the other." When I was initially asked to write a
devotional, I had no idea what to do. The idea of writing a devotional seemed very
strange. What was I supposed to do? Am I supposed to analyze the verse, or perhaps
I’m supposed to share an experience of mine that relates to this verse? I’ll try
to do both!
I believe that this verse affirms what we all want, to grow stronger in our faith and
understanding of our God. But how can we do this if we can’t visit with God? This
answer is provided for us in the verse. We have God’s help, but he has also given us
additional help in the form of friends and family. Thus the last line: "Each of us
will be a blessing to the other." This was evident in my life once as well.
A few years ago, I went on a mission trip. My friends and I were all working together
down in Louisiana, all in the name of God. I didn’t actually visit with God, but I
did learn more about him, and I grew stronger in him with the help of my friends and youth
leaders around me. Each of us was a blessing to the other!
This is what I believe this verse is saying. I believe that we are all blessings to
each other, which can help each of us to grow in our faith in God, and help us understand
him every day!
