29/09/2024
HAVING A PERSONAL STAND IN FAITH
In our spiritual journey, many people express reluctance to attend congregational gatherings, such as Sabbath services, simply because someone they know will not be present. This perspective can lead to missed opportunities for worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Understanding that our faith should not depend on others' availability or opinions is essential.
Personal faith is crucial to our relationship with YHWH (Yahweh). While the presence of fellow believers can enhance our worship experience, it should never be the sole reason for our participation or absence. We are responsible for nurturing our faith and devotion to YHWH, independent of external circumstances.
The early believers in Acts 2:42 demonstrate a deep commitment to their faith: “And they were continuing steadfastly in the teachings of the apostles and in the fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” They gathered together despite challenges, illustrating that faith and fellowship should not be conditional on the presence of specific individuals. Their understanding of a personal relationship with YHWH allowed them to worship freely, regardless of others’ participation.
Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, “But without belief, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to YHWH has to believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” This verse emphasizes that our faith must be rooted in our belief in YHWH, not in the actions of others.
When we choose to base our attendance on whether someone we know is present, we miss the opportunity to deepen our relationship with YHWH. Each gathering is a chance to grow, learn, and connect with Him and our community of believers. YHWH is ever-present and desires to meet us in our worship, regardless of who else may be there (Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there am I in the midst of them.”).
In moments when we feel hesitant, let us encourage ourselves to reflect on our personal relationship with YHWH. Engaging in personal worship, prayer, and meditation can help strengthen our faith. The Psalms are a beautiful reminder of this personal connection, such as in Psalm 27:4: “One thing I have asked of YHWH, that will I seek: to dwell in the house of YHWH all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of YHWH and to inquire in His temple.”
Instead of allowing others’ decisions to dictate our actions, we should uphold our commitment to YHWH, embracing every opportunity to gather in His name. As stated in Romans 14:7-8, “For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to YHWH, and if we die, we die to YHWH. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are YHWH’s.”
As we navigate our faith journey, let us always remember that our relationship with YHWH is personal and does not depend on human circumstances. As 2 Corinthians 5:7 states, “For we walk by belief, not by sight.” May this truth encourage you to attend congregational gatherings, recognizing that your faith is your own, regardless of who may or may not be present.
Let us stand firm in our personal faith, celebrating the privilege of worshipping YHWH together and encouraging one another in our spiritual growth. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us, “And let us consider one another 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.”
This lesson is brought to you by Bro. Joseph Njenga. May YHWH bless you as you walk in faith!