Hold your arms straight out in front of you.

Go on. Don't worry about what other people are going to think.

Now, keep holding it.

We recently joined the Peloton trend, and I've really been enjoying it. I’ve done other workout programs before, but this one has some differences from others I’ve done. One of the things that I've noticed (and I imagine it’s the same way with CrossFit) is that it's not just about the exercise. When I get on, I see other people in the same place I am. I can group myself with people who are in my age group. I joined a few Facebook groups, and people share their stories and encourage each other to keep going.

How are your arms?

Still up?

How are they feeling?

I’ve always been interested in the power of community. When I was in college, I met a group of guys who became some of the closest people that have ever known. Even today, almost two decades after graduating, we still keep in touch. We get together once a year to spend some good quality time together. We’re still there for each other.

We went through a lot in four years. A lot of ups and downs. Good times and bad. These were the guys I went to whenever times got tough. There are also the same guys I went to when things were awesome and I had something to celebrate.

We've gone through a lot of experiences together, nd we've come out stronger on the other side because of that.

How are those arms?

Feeling pretty tired yet?

In Exodus 17, Moses gives us a good example of what community really is. While Joshua's down on the battlefield fighting against the Amalekites, Moses had one job. God told him that as long as he had his hands up, the armies of Israel would win. But the minute his hands fell, they would start to lose.

Check in on those arms. Tired? A little pain?

Good.

If they're getting tired just in this short amount of time, imagine what Moses felt like.

See, Moses did get tired. His arms did start to droop. And when they did, the people of Israel began to lose the battle. But that's not the whole story. Moses had others with him. His brother, Aaron, and another man, Hur, who helped out. When Moses got tired, Aaron and Hur were right there with him. They held up his arms when he couldn’t do it himself. So he didn't have to do it alone.

I experience same kind of thing with my exercise routine. It's funny, really. Something as simple as a high five on your screen from somebody else can give you that encouragement that you need to keep going when you’re on the bike and feel like you don't have anymore to give.

It's the same thing I experience with my college friends. When life gets so difficult, so stressful, that I don't think I can continue on, they’re there to offer me encouragement.

Community. It’s vital for life. We were not meant to do this alone.

Maybe you don't feel like you have a community that you belong to. Maybe you're like me. You're very reserved and introverted closed off. Take a step of faith.

Find one, two other people. It doesn't have to be a large group, just a couple of close friends that you can confide in. Make time to be a part of a community. Your arms will eventually get tired, and you’ll need some help.

Where do you find community? Let me know in the comments below.