Megan Evans, Women’s Ministry Director, LHBC
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10,12
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Do you let people into your struggles? We are quick to share exciting news with others, but why is it challenging to open up and share the hard stuff? Perhaps it is because sharing our struggles makes us feel vulnerable, or even weak. The Bible reminds us that we are not meant to do life all by ourselves. Man was not created to live in isolation. We were made for fellowship and we thrive in connection with others.
If there was ever a man who could survive without friendship, it would’ve been the man who needed nothing. Solomon is known in the Bible for being a man who had everything—wealth, power, wisdom, you name it. Yet, he counted his acquisitions and experiences as meaningless apart from God. What he found to be important and wise is recorded in the book of Ecclesiastes.
Solomon wisely notes that friendship is good and not only desirable, but a smart plan of attack against the enemy. Verse 12 explains that on our own we are prone to attack and defeat. With a friend, we are victorious, and with a community we are even stronger. Whether you prefer a few friends or many, it is good for mankind to have relationships. Some of the best encouragers in life are those who will pray for us.
After asking my church Lifegroup to pray for me last week, I was reminded of the joy and freedom that comes from letting people into my life. After 10+ weeks of nursing my fractured foot, I was missing my active lifestyle and was struggling to keep up with the needs of my family and home. The enemy was using all of this seemingly small stuff to attack me, and I was beginning to feel defeated. I knew the encouragement and prayers of this group would help me, but it meant I had to let them in on my struggle. I am so glad I did. The enemy no longer had me isolated in my struggle. Prayer and tender care through this community of friends allowed God’s power to disarm the enemy.
Solomon wisely noted in Ecclesiastes that it was futile to push human connection away. Whether we are married or single, young or old, relationships nurture our soul. We can help each other, support one another, and encourage one another. Friends hold us up when we stumble and fall. But, how will people in our life ever know to encourage us or come to our aid if we never open up and share what we are going through? Let people into your struggles today. Thrive in connection and fellowship today.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, thank you for fellowship and community. Show me people in my life I can grow and connect with. Lead me and help me build relationships that will pray for me and encourage me in my walk with Jesus. Help me to be a good friend to others. In Jesus Name, Amen.
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.