As an educator, we were often reminded of the importance of children having a “village” in their lives to help them succeed. This refers to a group of people who will work together for the wellbeing of the child. People who will teach, love, and guide this child. People who will be an example for them. In my years of teaching, I was able to witness firsthand the difference it made in the overall development of the child when this “village” was present.

The idea of being surrounded by people to help you is something that God desires for us. We see examples of this often throughout the Bible. The most influential leaders had helpers who supported and encouraged them. Even Jesus had twelve disciples who he shared life with! One of my favorite stories in the Bible is when Moses is holding his hands up as Joshua and the Israelite army were fighting the Amalekites (Exodus 17). As long as Moses’ hands were up, the Israelites were winning, but as soon as he lowered them, the enemy would start winning. As we can imagine, Moses became tired, and this is when his “village” stepped in. Aaron and Hur gave him a stone to sit on and held up his hands for him until the Israelites won!

We were never meant to live life alone. We all need people who will guide, encourage, and be a godly example for us. Therefore, when our burden becomes too heavy and we get tired, we have people around us who will step in, pray for us, encourage us, and help when needed. In the same way, we, too, should seek to be this village for others. Life can be challenging at times, and there will, undoubtedly, be times where we will need one another in order to succeed. Let us thank God for the encouragers he has placed in our circle, and let us be an encouragement for others today as well.

Suggested prayer: Lord, thank you for my village. You know me so well and this is evident in those who you have placed in my life. Some challenge me to grow, others help carry my burdens when I can’t do it alone, and others model what it looks like to be Christlike. You have chosen each individual for a purpose. Please help me be a good encourager and helper for others as well. Let everything I do be for your glory and be used by you to help others. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1. Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NLT).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.