In yesterday’s devotional I shared an anonymous saying: “God meets you where you’re at, not where you should be at.” It’s a reminder that God doesn’t require you to be in tip-top moral shape or a top-notch theologian to come to you and intervene in your life.

But when that happens, what happens next? Cooperate with God when he starts to move you forward.

I used the example of Paul. He had been persecuting the church. The Lord confronted him but then guided his next best step.

Years later Paul wrote to the Colossians as a mature Christian. They were not “where they should be at.” Nevertheless, God met them where they were and encouraged them forward. 

Paul encouraged them in that process. He wrote: “My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:2-3).

He specifically mentions being “encouraged in heart” and “united in love” so that their understanding of Christ might increase—the one “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

Here’s what we need to see. When we gather with other Christians, God can use those three things he mentioned to move us forward. Think of occasions like worship services, small groups, youth groups, Bible study groups, mission groups, prayer groups, and others like them. Not only do we receive encouragement, but we give it. Not only do we receive love, but we offer it. Not only do we receive knowledge, but we share it. 

Forward motion.

God moves you forward not just as an individual, but as a part of a community. Encouragement, love and knowledge—both received and given–is a part of how we can make that happen.

What if God was not only meeting you where you’re at, but helping to move you forward in maturity through the other faithful people he has put in your life?

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Notes and extra content:

—Podcast: “Something Still Seems ‘Off’—Sarah Joy Covey on Life After the Pandemic.”Click here to listen or watch, or tune in to ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ wherever you subscribe.

–The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week and returns on May 13, 2024.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.