MVP Guest Blogger:
Kristy Thomas
In the midst of conflict, David finds himself in the midst of battle after battle. It’s during a time of continued struggle against Saul that Jonathan goes to David. “Then Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David in the woods and strengthen his hand in God” (1 Samuel 23:16 NKJV).
“...it is easy for us to think that we struggle alone...”
As ministers and carriers of the Gospel, it is easy for us to think that we struggle alone, that we carry the burden. We have watched ministers go before us that have shouldered the load and seemed to walk a lonely path.
The enemy will always speak to your weakness. He will always present help, but God did not call any of us to walk alone. We know that He is our ever present help. Even beyond that, God places people in our lives to speak truth to us and to be closer than a brother. People who strengthen us, who speak life and challenge us to rise up.
We often expect these to be the people who are around us constantly or who are part of our ministry. But these are often fellow ministers or people who carry the load, also, and are the ones who know what it is like to serve at the capacity or more than you do. They will be in your life during the moments you most need them. You must receive them. Do not underestimate their impact, God will use them to strengthen you, to encourage you, to speak truth to you, and to remind you of what God has for you. Do not be discouraged because they do not fight in the same battle as you. They will bring great wisdom, strength, and stability with them that you need for your battle.
God equipped David with many mighty men around him. Jonathan was not one of them. He was simply the man that inspired David. I encourage you, today, if the greatest king that ever led Israel needed someone in his life, you are no greater. You need someone in your life who inspires you to love bigger and strive for greater.
-Kristy Thomas
MVP Guest Blogger
Mike & Kristy Thomas
Kristy Thomas, co-pastors River of Life Church in Valley Springs, Arkansas, with her husband, Mike. A 25-year ministry veteran, Kristy is an Ordained Minister with the Assemblies of God, serving in both children’s and student ministries. Kristy works with leaders of all ages, local schools, and with individuals to establish mentorship programs. She is passionate about pouring into people’s lives to see them live out their fullest potential God as placed in them.