Sunday, September 1, 2013

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

Don't Mess with MY Family

John 13:34  A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

My older brother has always treated me much like his little "brother" instead of his little sister. He picked on me, was rough with me, and had no mercy on me when playing childhood games. Because of our unique relationship, I sometimes wondered if he actually cared for me. One day, that thought was ALL cleared up. When one of his friends tried to pick on me in the same manner, my brother QUICKLY reminded him that "you don't mess with MY sister!"

Although we don't speak daily, I know that if I ever needed anything, my brother would be there for me!

I believe that family is so special. I often say that families are the friends that God handpicked just for you! They may be frustrating at times, but God has a purpose for you in your family.

In Genesis 2:18, God declared that"It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." While He was talking specifically about Adam and Eve, I believe that holds true for all of our relationships. God has strategically placed people in our lives to help us achieve the calling that He has especially for us.

A great example of this is found in the lives of brothers, Aaron and Moses. Had Moses not been reunited with his brother, he may have never had the courage to pursue God's calling for his life. Moses stuttered when he spoke....causing him to fear speaking to the Egyptian leadership. Aaron vowed to be Moses' "mouthpiece," and he did speak to the officials for Moses.

During one of the biggest battles the Israelites faced against the Amalekites, they were only victorious when Moses' arms were raised in the air. When Moses grew weary, Aaron and another gentleman held up Moses' arms enabling the Israelites to defeat their enemy.

Was Aaron and Moses' relationship perfect? No way. It was similar to the relationships of many other siblings. They didn't always approve of each other's actions or relationships, but they always came back to each other. After all, they were family, and together, they were stronger.

I challenge you today to always seek ways to be a blessing to your family. Your family is your first ministry in life. You may feel like you are an insignificant component of your family unit (maybe just a sidekick), but know that your words and actions could be the catalyst that thrusts the other members into their God-given destinies. AND that is truly the characteristic of a hero!

Dear Lord, Thank You for my family. Show me ways that I can always be a blessing to them.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.

Sidekick Series

Day 2: Aaron