I’m a loner by nature. Give me a task and leave me alone, and I’m good to go. I am learning, slowly, of my need to rely on others, to work in community. I loved William’s devo because it spoke to the Lone Ranger in me, and reminded me that I was never meant to go it alone. As you read today’s devo, ask God to reveal your “Lone Ranger” tendencies. Then, ask Him to show you who He’s already prepared to walk beside you. Chances are, that brother or sister in Christ is already on their way to meet you. I am reminded of what God said to Moses in Exodus 4:14 “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and his heart will be glad when he sees you.”

Aaron was already on his way. Love that! William’s devo first appeared on Rejoice Evermore on December 1, 2010.

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Sometimes God calls us to stand alone, but even then we are not alone. Elijah thought he was the only one taking a stand for the Lord and he found out later on there were 700 others who were faithfully following the Lord.

In my Bible reading right now, I’m in Numbers. In Chapter 2 and 3 of Numbers, the Lord outlines the places where each tribe was to march and camp, as well as the various duties of the Levites in assisting Aaron. It’s not exactly an exciting read, but one thing stood out to me as I went through it the last few days. Each tribe or family had distinct tasks God gave them to do, yet no one did those tasks alone. While Judah’s standard led the march and was the symbol which stood high in the east side of Israel’s camp, it was not Judah alone that did so. They were joined by Issachar and Zebulun. Even though Aaron and his sons led in the ministry of the Tabernacle, each of the three families of Levi were responsible for making the ministry work properly.

In our walk with the Lord and however we might be called to serve Him, the Lord didn’t design us to be alone. I am so grateful for the friends that God has placed into my life who love me, challenge me, rebuke me, cry with me, and comfort me. And ultimately, I am thankful for my Jesus, the friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).

Have you thanked the Lord lately for the friends God has brought into your life and for the friendship of His own dear Son?

William Ramirez lives in Central Florida with his beautiful bride Beverly and four wonderful children. He’s been the senior pastor at Calvary Chapel Lighthouse in Longwood, FL for the last 14 years. He also enjoys writing, both fiction and non-fiction, that encourages believers in their walk with Jesus.

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As always, if you loved, loved, loved today’s devo, “like” it, fb share it, tweet it, or leave a comment and at the end of the month, I’ll tally everything up and post the top three devos of 2010!