Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and… they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. ~ Acts 14:19-20
REFERENCE
Acts 14:8-24
Paul experienced ‘supernatural restoration’ after being stoned because people of faith gathered around him – people of his own company. Paul probably wouldn’t have survived the ill-treatment meted out to him by the Jews if not for those disciples that rallied around him and made sure he got back on his feet again. Indeed, the saying is true that ‘iron sharpens iron’ (Proverbs 17:17).
Who are the people around you when you are beaten by life, when there are pressures and temptations, when you are down and out or when there are stones of libel and accusation cast against you? You will never know how much you need the ‘right people’ around you until the day you realize you need the ‘right people.’ You are as good as your company, and who you follow determines what follows you.
Proverbs 17:17 reveals that ‘iron sharpens iron.’ The four lepers in 2 Kings 7:3-8 gives credence to this truth. Though leprous and helpless, they spurred one another on and took the risk to go into the enemy’s camp in a time or war. Worthy of note is the fact that none of them drew back or discouraged the others; in one accord they agreed and went ahead with their plan. By that singular action, God honored their faith and breakthrough came for them and their brethren – the Israelites.
As a believer, keeping good company means surrounding yourself with other believers that can stand side-by-side with you to fight spiritual battles, which is where most of our warfare takes place. You need people who can pick you up when you are down and out, encourage you with Scriptures, pray with you and intercede for you when you are too weak to pray. Those that would be willing to spur you back to faith when your faith is waning, and run this heavenly race with you to the finish line.
Remember, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” (Proverbs 13:20).
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL STUDY
Amos 3:3, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, & Hebrews 3:13
TO DO
+ Take an inventory of the people in your company, do you have close connections with like-minded believers that strengthen your faith and encourage your walk with God?
+ Ask God to make you a believer who exhorts and lifts up other believers, & give you the wisdom to follow and keep the right company
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