MORE THAN ONE
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NLT)
I tend to try to do things myself. Whether we realize it or not, many of us have displayed that tendency since childhood. It’s likely you’ve thought or said something like I can do it myself at one time or another.
This attitude might work out okay until you try playing ping pong or get hurt.
I recently had a minor medical procedure in the middle of my back that required stitches. The nurse said I needed to clean the wound and change the bandage daily. However, I wasn’t flexible enough to reach the bandage by myself. I needed someone else to remove the bandage, clean the wound, and reapply a new bandage. There are just some things we can’t do alone.
It takes humility to admit that I can’t do everything on my own. I need others in my life who can help me take steps that I can’t take alone.
There’s a benefit to both the person in need and the person who helps. When I’m experiencing a difficulty, I feel peace from knowing there is someone who will walk with me through that difficulty. On the other hand, when someone asks me to come alongside them in a time of difficulty, I feel a sense of value and purpose in knowing that I’m helping someone else.
We’re designed to rely on and be needed by others. It’s good to know someone has your back.
Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”
Genesis 2:18 (NLT)
APPLICATION: Who can come alongside you when you’re experiencing challenges? Identify a trusted person with whom you can share your thoughts and listen to them share their thoughts.
PRAYER: Father, who do you want me to walk alongside? Please show me a person today with whom I can talk about what’s going on with me and listen to what’s happening with them. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?