Don’t do it alone
These men, going ahead, waited for us at Troas. Acts 20:5
If you have ever served in ministry, you know how easy it is to feel the weight of responsibility. Whether you greet at the doors, sing on the worship team, pray with people, or work behind the scenes, ministry can feel heavy when it is carried alone. In many churches, teams are formed so that no one person carries the load every week. Each person brings their own gifts and abilities, and together, the team makes a greater impact than one person ever could on their own.
For a long time, I imagined the apostle Paul as a lone missionary, traveling city to city without help, standing in faith by himself in the face of every trial. But reading through Acts changed that perspective. Paul often listed those who traveled and ministered with him, and in this passage, he names five men who went ahead to Troas to prepare for his arrival. Paul didn’t say they waited for “me,” he said they waited for “us.” He understood that ministry was never meant to be carried by one person.
In my own life, I have experienced the strength of having others walk with me in ministry. There have been times when I tried to take on too much by myself and quickly found myself worn down and discouraged. But when I invited others to serve alongside me, not only did the work become lighter, but I also saw how God used their unique gifts in ways I never could have on my own. The joy of serving together, encouraging one another, and seeing God move through a team taught me the importance of not doing it alone.
For you today, this passage is a reminder that you do not have to carry ministry or life’s responsibilities by yourself. God designed you to live and serve in community. He will send people to walk with you, to strengthen you, and to help prepare the way for the work He has called you to do.
Here are some ways you can get started:
Pray and ask God to place the right people in your life to serve alongside you.- If you are already part of a team, use your gifts intentionally to build up the group and celebrate the strengths of others.
- Be willing to release control and share responsibilities so others can grow in their calling.
- Encourage someone on your team this week with a word of gratitude or prayer.
- If you are serving alone, begin praying for one person to join you and share the journey.
Today I want to encourage you to join with others in the work God has called you to. You were not created to carry the load by yourself. When you open the door for others to serve alongside you, your impact multiplies, and your strength is renewed. Trust that God has already prepared people to walk with you, and take the step to invite them in.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 20:1-6
1 After the uproar had ceased, Paul called the disciples to himself, embraced them, and departed to go to Macedonia.
2 Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece
3 and stayed three months. And when the Jews plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia.
4 And Sopater of Berea accompanied him to Asia—also Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.
5 These men, going ahead, waited for us at Troas.
6 But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days joined them at Troas, where we stayed seven days.
Journal:
- In what area of life or ministry have you been trying to carry the weight alone?
- Who are the people God has placed around you that can support and strengthen you?
What step can you take this week to share the load and invite others into your journey?
The Daily Dose 