Hello Sumite sisters and brothers, Christy Edney here! Today, I'd like to direct our attention to the parable of the lost sheep in Matthew 18:12-14. 

“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish."

I don't know about you, but this is a very familiar verse for me. I felt like I had learned all there was to learn from it, until I heard it in a song. After hearing the song, I began to wonder about the ninety-nine that he had left behind, how would they be protected as he searched for the one? Then I was reminded that Jesus IS the good shepherd and he would never leave the flock alone and without hope. So, how would the flock stay safe while he was away? Forgive me for taking some creative license but I believe the answer is safety in numbers. During the last quarter of 2017, I was reminded of how vulnerable I am when I step away from  my community. Peter reminds us that the enemy is prowling like a lion looking for someone to devour. When we separate ourselves from the flock we become an easy target. I want to encourage you to find your flock of believers. Our community offers several ways to get connected, through the Community Map, Prayer Partnerships, the Facebook page or the conversations following every blog post. If this community isn't the right fit for you then find a church and commit to involvement beyond the worship hour. I'm a Sumite just like you and I know how hard it is to find community but I believe it's absolutely vital. We are better together! Let's pray;

Mighty God, we look to you in every moment of our lives. We give you our highest praise and adoration. Today we are reminded that humans are built for relationship. We are vulnerable to attack when left alone but when bound in friendship we become stronger than a triple braided cord. Lord, thank you for the way that you have designed us, thank you for the provision and protection that you provide through a fellowship of believers. I ask you to provide all of us with such a fellowship. Push us from the comfort zone of isolation into the unknown. Let your spirit move freely through us and accomplish your will in every passing second. I pray in the matchless name of the Lord Jesus Christ, high priest and king of our lives, amen!

More information on our Sumite Prayer Partnerships can be found by clicking this link: Sumite Prayer Partners

f you are ready to receive a prayer partner then please send me an email using this link: Email Christy Edney In your email, please provide your name and your geographic location. 

If you and your partner are experiencing difficulty or you would like prayer then please email me using this link: Email Christy Edney