We all go through hardships and trails. When we do, we need people by our side to help us through the fire. Bianca Jaurez Olthoff says that throughout the Bible, community is an essential aspect of perseverance through trial and hardship.
“God almighty Himself is in community. We are told that they are the trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus here on Earth was in community, He had His disciples.””
“If God is in community and Jesus was in community, how much more should we be in community?”
Community is vital because it reminds us of several things.
“Community will remind us of who we are, who we are not, who God says we are, and God’s plan for us.”
Community helps us fight against the lies.
“Community is going to come around you and remind you who you are and who you are not. But more importantly whose you are: you are a child of God with purpose and calling and destiny. Sometimes the lies of the enemy are louder than the whispers of truth. Our community, when we’re surrounded by our community, can remind us of that.”
One great example of community in Scripture is Shaddrach, Meshach and Abednego. Bianca infers that they were able to stand up to in the face of pressure to bow down because of the community support they provided each other with.
“They did it together, they were able to go up against the number one ruling power of the known world, to stand up and say we are not going to bow down to any other god, there is One True God.”
Communion with other believers helps us to make good decisions regarding our faith.
“When we are in the midst of the fire, I believe that we are able to hold on to joy, to hold on to our identity, to hold on to faith and hope and love in the midst of fire when we are with community.”
“Sometimes we fear the fire. We don’t want to go through the fire. We feel like the fire is going to end us, but maybe it is in the fire where the presence of God is revealed and our faith becomes absolutely real.”
Bianca Juarez Olthoff fires up audiences around the world with hilarious stories and profound Bible teaching as she inspires women to live with unquenchable passion. Bianca has been in ministry for fifteen years and wholeheartedly believes that everything we do, whether we walk, talk, preach, or teach, we do it all in the name of LOVE.
Featured Songs: This I Believe – Hillsong Worship; No Wonder – River Valley; Everything Comes Alive – We Are Messengers
Play with fire
