What do you do for the loved one who is in recovery? How do you help them move forward in their healing walk?

The first message that I preached after my accident was called, "You Were My Armorbearer". The scripture passage for the message was taken from 1 Samuel 14 where young prince Jonathan chooses to attack the Philistines with just his armorbearer at his side.

In verse 7 the armorbearer states "Do all that you have in mind, go ahead: I am with you heart and soul." Then the armorbearer follows Jonathan to war, climbing a cliff with him, carrying all of the armor. He does this so that Jonathan does not have to bear the weight of the heavy armor on his back and can be fresh for the battle that awaits them at the top.

You now stand in the place of the armorbearer for your loved one. God has called you to carry another's load as they climb the mountain of recovery.

AN ARMORBEARER IS...

• Someone who carries your burdens until you are strong enough to carry them yourself.
• A source of hope, comfort and joy when it is hard to find hope, comfort and joy on your own.
• A champion of faith. Someone whose words of encouragement are your bridge to faith, when you think faith is gone or useless.
• Willing to stand in the gap. They make up for your weaknesses and are willing to take fire on your behalf.
• One who helps you move ahead. Never is there a thought of surrender!
• Willing to weep with you without judging your grief.
• One who is there for the long road. They know that recovery takes a very long time, and they are committed to endure with you.
• One who rejoices with every little victory. There are no small victories in rehab. Every new step forward needs to be rejoiced.
• One who is willing to protect you from hopeless people and negative thinkers. Always ready with a big fly swatter to chase those hope busters away.
• One who embraces every positive and hopeful action and statement from you.
• One who gives hopeful thoughts, articles and books to you.
• One who merely carries the burden, allowing you to climb the cliff on your own.
• The eyes and ears for you. They listen to instructions and guidance given by caregivers and help you act on those instructions.

Pastor Tim Manzer's message on being an armborbearer is available from New Hope Community Church at 231-938-8056 or www. newhope.cc.