“But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.” — Philippians 2:25

Heavenly Father,

What a beautiful picture of the church You have given us in this verse! Paul did not see himself as a lone wolf. He leaned heavily on the brothers, co-workers, and fellow soldiers You provided for him. Thank you for the Epaphrodituses in my life. Thank you for the men and women who do not just sit on the sidelines, but actually get into the trenches with me to do the heavy lifting of ministry, life, and community. I am so thankful that You never intended for me to carry my burdens alone.

Yet, I confess how easily I drift into isolation. When life gets hard or ministry gets heavy, my first instinct is to withdraw, put my head down, and try to power through on my own. Please forgive my pride and my independence. Break down the walls I build around my heart. I desperately need the grace to be a better brother and a more faithful fellow soldier.

Give me a profound appreciation for the people who labor next to me. Bind us together in a shared love for Jesus, so that we can bear one another’s burdens instead of constantly comparing ourselves. Teach me how to ask for help when I am weak, and how to gladly show up when my co-workers need me.

In the name of Jesus, 

Amen