Fellow / ship

 

 I once heard the word fellowship described as, two fellows on one ship. I like that. In most instances the actual word fellowship is used either to describe individuals that are gathered together for the purpose of extending their education in some related fashion, or if you happen to attend a religious gathering the goal is to fellowship with others thru worship. In either instance, both are connected in that two, or more, people are getting together in support of each other. In the times we are currently living we could all use a little more fellowship. 

We can look at the Webster definition, we could Google it, or search it out on Wikipedia, but I like the definition that started today's message, two fellows on one ship. When we are sailing down our river of life, we don't go it alone. We should want to share the beauty of the trip. When the waters are calm and we are pretty much flowing with the current fellowship is easy and time spent together is relaxing. Support with directing your boat is easy, as probably the biggest concern is just keeping your boat headed down the river's path. The challenge begins when storm clouds open up and empty out their storage. During a storm, those same two fellows are now being taxed to navigate the waves, rocks, and the torrents of wind and rain. All of a sudden what was a simple float downstream can become a life-threatening adventure. That is where fellowship becomes much like the life jacket we count on to keep us afloat. During the storm one fellow is steering the water craft, while the other is providing the necessary energy to push the boat away from danger and into safer waters. In much the same way, it is not advisable to do life's storms by yourself. 

As we navigate a global pandemic that screams at us to "social distance",  we must keep in mind the necessity of having "fellowship". Two fellows on one ship, they are in it together good or bad, rough waters or smooth sailing. Nobody said they have to be standing right beside each other, good fellows can support each other on the same ship of life without having to be right up in their face. Reaching out to check on a friend or colleague, offering sincere help with a job or task, calling regularly to see how your friends are doing, or dropping a card of support are all ways to be two fellows standing on one ship together. What about praying for your fellow man? Interceding on the behalf of friends, family, and others that are going through a tough stretch of the river need your support and there is no better support than that of our Lord and Savior. 

If you feel alone in the midst of the storms of life you are enduring, keep in mind you are never alone. God is a "fellow" you can count on regardless of the storm's intensity. Hebrews 13:5 reminds us that God will "never leave us nor forsake us", he is in fellowship with us regardless of the conditions or circumstances we are facing in life. If fellowship is two fellows on one ship, God is that constant companion in life's fellowship. We who believe are called to live in the image of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our goal in life should be to model the fellowship Jesus had with His disciples, in calm waters he was there sailing along with them, and when the storms hit, Jesus was there to quiet the storm and bring peace and safety to the men on the boat (Mark 4:35-41). That is what we are called to do for those we are in fellowship with today. It is easy to be on the boat together when the sailing is smooth, we need fellowship during the storms of life and right now we are in the bowels of several storms like none we have endured in our lifetime. 

You can go it alone, you can fend for yourself and expect others to do the same. That my friend won't get it done. Life is a journey we are traveling down, we need support and what better way to receive it then doing fellow/ship together!  

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.

Coach Carter