Grateful To Be Together

Let’s face it, we are better together than alone.

We become together what we could not be alone.

Romans 12:5 Voice

Unfortunately, many of us have suffered tremendously over these last 18 months as the pandemic has made isolation the new normal. That is why, now more than ever, we need strong and connected friendships.

Couples Night Out events took place all over the Bay Area last weekend, and we were so encouraged to hear stories of old relationships reconnected, new friendships forged, and lasting memories made. One thing we have learned over the course of the pandemic is that smaller gatherings can actually make for better conversations and connections. So this year married couples planned their own small events in restaurants, backyards, and even at the beach. We heard that couples joined in virtually all the way from Mexico City and India!

At every gathering, couples got to hear passages from the Bible about handling stress at home and connect with other couples about how to grow in their faith and love for each other.

Today we want to highlight a few of the amazing stories that took place at Couples Night Out events. These stories build our faith and teach us some valuable lessons about how God works on our behalf.

We are here for a reason

From one man he made all the people of the world. Now they live all over the earth. He decided exactly when they should live. And he decided exactly where they should live. God did this so that people would seek him. And perhaps they would reach out for him and find him. They would find him even though he is not far from any of us.

Acts 17:26-27 NIrV

One of the stories that built our faith was about a couple who recently moved to the Bay Area. They are newly married and living in a new area, and this led them to decide to look for a church where they could build friendships with other young couples. As Acts 17:26-27 teaches us, God decides exactly when and where we should live, all so that we might seek him. This couple really enjoyed the evening. They have also been coming to church services and are looking forward to deepening their new friendships.

This story reminds us that God puts people around us who are searching for him, and all we have to do is look for them.

Sharing our lives is powerful

We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.

1 Thessalonians 2:8 CSB

Another Couples’ Night Out event was hosted by a woman who became a Christian just a few years ago. Her husband hadn’t shown much interest in building a relationship with God up until this point, but he joined this event with her. The honest and vulnerable sharing of the other couples at Couples Night Out moved him. He was inspired to initiate wanting to grow in his faith.

As 1 Thessalonians 2:8 says, when we care for others, we will not only share the good news with them but we will choose to share our lives as well. Sharing our lives honestly is powerful. It provides a safe place for others to let down, and shows people real examples of how God has moved in our lives.

As you read this story, we encourage you to start asking yourself who are some people in your life who could benefit from hearing you vulnerably share your story?

Sharing our hearts helps friends find hope

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

John 8:32 NLT

One of the most encouraging things we heard about Couples Night Out was how many married couples felt they were able to let down and open up about things in their marriage they haven’t talked about before. Marriage can be hard for everyone, and it’s important to have a safe place to not only let down but find hope in areas they feel stuck.

We heard stories about couples who shared they were grateful to come and get help and hope for their future. Others said they were able to find relief as they acknowledged for the first time how the stress of the pandemic has affected their home.

John 8:32 helps us to understand that truth sets us free. Talking about what’s really going on helps us find the freedom to change.

If there are any areas in your life or home that you struggle to believe can change, Couples Night Out taught us that talking with good friends who have faith is a great place to start.

The event may be over, but we are a church family that believes in being there for each other all year round! So if you would like to get more connected to our married and family ministry, don’t hesitate to drop us a line.

Have a great Thanksgiving!