A Combined Effort | Day 4

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.”  – 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

We return to the same passage as yesterday to look at it from a different angle. Growth is a process of combined efforts. Paul started the church in Corinth. Then Apollos came along to continue the work Paul started. 

Consider the people God has used in your life to bring you closer to Him. There may be a few key people who have had a large influence in your life. But there are hundreds who have contributed to your growth in ways you don’t even know.  

For example, has a song ever helped move your trust in God’s love from your head to your heart? That one song represents a combined effort from dozens of people. Sure, there’s the original artist, but maybe there was a friend who helped the artist craft the second verse that resonated so deeply, or a spouse who encouraged the artist to share the song with a producer, or a pastor whose sermon inspired the song, or a parent who insisted the artist stick with piano lessons. And then there was the person who shared the song with the worship leader who decided to play the song in the worship service where you first heard it. And then there were the volunteers who practiced that song on their instruments for hours and the technicians who created a distraction free environment to highlight the artistry and power of the song. You were also able to fully engage at that gathering because you weren’t flustered from having to find a place to park or sit. And speaking of seats, many people gave generously so you had a place to sit.  And on and on we could go.  

As others have contributed to your growth, you can contribute to theirs. This Easter, any guest to our church may represent years of prayer, service and invitation by other members of the church. We gather together not only to worship our risen Savior this Easter, but to serve others as we have been served. We may not see the end results, but we can help others grow by playing our part.  

Prayer Points

• Pray specifically for our Ridge Campus to see 100 baptisms and for the logistics of hosting over 5,000 people this weekend.  
• Pray for 8,500 to attend, 1,700 to serve, and 150 to be baptized across all campuses and services this Easter.  

Easter Prayer and Fasting | Day 4 | Holy Week 2026