Hebrews 13:1-8 | Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. -Matthew 7:25
During my four years at college, I found lifelong friends and mentors. But one of my most formative experiences was participating in a historically Black church through the “watch care” program it hosted for students. Being under “watch care” meant I could temporarily enjoy full membership privileges at the congregation during my studies to help me grow in my faith.
That Mississippi church became a haven of wisdom and support to me and many of my classmates. The foundation of love and mentorship I found there reflected many biblical examples of God’s people offering support and encouragement.
For example, when Mary learned she was pregnant with Jesus, she found encouragement through the faith of Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist (Luke 1:39–56). Wife and husband Priscilla and Aquila, who served as spiritual leaders in their community, grew in faith through developing a close relationship with the apostle Paul. They went on to share God’s truth with Apollos (Acts 18:24–26), who went far and wide to teach others the gospel.
What my watch care experience taught me, and what any of our experiences of being sustained and nurtured by fellow Christian believers can offer us, is a reminder that God often extends His care, healing, and guidance through fellow believers (Hebrews 13:1–8). Wherever we are, God is our solid anchor—with us, within us, always watching over us.
Stacy Hawkins Adams