Shannelle

Why do I go to church? Because there's more to being a Christian than believing. In James 2:17 the Bible tells us that faith without good works is dead. In the church is where I can find good works. There's always an area in the ministry where volunteers are needed. Plus, the church has several programs designed to help others outside the church, and it is through these programs where good works occur also. Some may argue that they can find good works without the church, and they are right. However, it is the fellowship with other churchgoers that encourages me and inspires me.
The second reason I go to church is strength. When I am in need, it is the church that prays for me and gives me strength to continue my walk with God and not give up on Him. There is strength in numbers. Many species of animals know the principle of strength in numbers. Schools of fish, flocks of birds all understand that they are protected more with a large group than by themselves. I know that I can find strength in my fellow churchgoers. Genesis 11: 5-7 also tell us that a group of united people has strength. It says that they had one language and that "nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them." I also know that if we are united in God's purpose and doing what God wants us to be doing, there is nothing that can stop us.
My personal story:
Six months ago, my husband and I were in a financial crisis. Some of our bills were not being paid simply because we didn't have the money. If I had $20 to spend on groceries, I thought we were doing good.
We started attending church and Bible study classes. We studied our Bible and prayed...a lot. Things started to turn around. We could see God starting to bless us financially, and we were grateful and thankful.
In 6 short months, God has shown us where He wants us. We were ready to move to another town, and God halted all our plans and placed people in our lives who gave us a desire to remain where we were. God has given us partnerships that are blessing us financially, spiritually, and emotionally. We now are rarely stressed over money. We have caught up on our bills and now pay them every month. We have become more financially stable in just a few short months, and we are in awe every time we think about what God has done for us in so short a time.
Our faith wouldn't be this strong without the people that God put into our lives. These people give us the strength we needed to continue to believe that God can do great things in His perfect timing. My husband and I cannot walk this walk of faith alone. I need others to help teach me, encourage me, pray with me, and help pick me up when I stumble. I know there may come a time when I need to do the same for them, and that is what a church family is all about. To help others walk with faith. Life is too hard to walk alone.