Stay on Board
Theme: Don’t check out when life gets hard—press in.
Scripture:
Hebrews 10:24–25 – “And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Devotional Thought:
When life feels heavy — when you’re burned out, worn down, or ready to give up — the temptation is to pull back. To disappear. To tell yourself, “I’ll rejoin when I feel better.”
But here’s the truth: when you’re struggling, the worst thing you can do is get off the bus.
We tell ourselves distance brings peace, but isolation usually brings deeper exhaustion.
When you disconnect from community, prayer, and purpose, your soul doesn’t rest — it weakens.
You begin to lose perspective, hope, and even faith.
That’s why Scripture constantly reminds us: stay connected.
Because while solitude can be restorative, isolation is destructive.
Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark all experienced moments of spiritual fatigue and relational struggle. One walked away, one got angry, and one chose compassion.
But by the end of their story, grace had restored what conflict had broken.
Reconciliation replaced regret.
That happened because they stayed faithful to the mission — and to one another.
When you choose to stay on board — even when it’s uncomfortable or imperfect — God uses that commitment to heal, shape, and strengthen you.
The bus may be loud, crowded, and sometimes messy,
but it’s better to be together in the struggle than alone in the silence.
Reflection Questions:
- When you’re struggling emotionally or spiritually, do you tend to press in or pull away?
- Who in your life encourages you to stay connected when you want to give up?
- What’s one way you can “stay on board” this week — in community, service, or prayer?
Prayer:
Lord, when I’m weary, remind me not to drift away from You or Your people.
Help me to stay connected even when I’m tired, frustrated, or hurting.
Give me courage to show up, to be honest, and to lean on others.
Strengthen me to remain steadfast in faith and fellowship.
Thank You that Your Church is a place where I can belong, struggle, and grow.
Amen.
Daily Practice:
Send a message or call someone you haven’t connected with in a while — maybe someone who’s pulled away from church or community.
Invite them to coffee, prayer, or just to talk.