“Life’s major trials seldom send a memo telling us they're on the way.”

A thought by Larry Osborne, (2009-04-10) from his book, Spirituality for the Rest of Us: A Down-to-Earth Guide to Knowing God (p. 61). The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book)

Larry continues the thought, “Instead, like an uninvited guest, they just show up, leaving us no choice but to let them in.”

That is the truth isn’t it? I mean, we start the day with really no idea what is ahead.

He then says, “Those who tend to isolate find it hard to get the help or support they need in a timely manner. Often it's because no one knows. But even when they do, unless it's a heart-wrenching scenario, no one seems to care all that much. Help and support tends to be too little, too late, or perfunctory in nature.” And that is true of some of you who are reading this. You live an isolated life.

He then goes on, “But those who have close and transparent relationships experience a completely different reality. When a crisis hits, they usually find people quick, even eager, to help.”

So where do you find those? Two places I would suggest are a small church or if you go to a large one, a small group.

Larry says, “Developing close and transparent relationships is an important part of preparing for life's inevitable calamities. It can happen in lots of ways. Going to church helps. Hanging out with other Christians helps. But for most of us, the best tool will be a small cluster of friends who covenant together to meet regularly and share the spiritual journey.”

“In New Testament days, this kind of small group was called a church. Early Christians had no large buildings to meet in. Most worshiped in what we'd call a ‘house church.’ Everyone knew everyone. It was a tough place in which to hide. Today, with larger churches and the explosive growth of super-sized churches, the closest parallel to the experience of the early church would be a small group or home Bible study where the consistent attendance and smaller size makes it once again possible for everyone to know everyone.”

So what group are you close to who is going to be there when you need help?

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