Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
On May 2nd, 1776, the nations of Spain and France each committed the equivalent of million dollars in weapons and ammunition to the American revolutionary cause. Such a commitment provided badly needed equipment to the Americans who had faced a tough year of fighting against the British, but more importantly this commitment encouraged and emboldened the colonists as well. Eight days later, riding the wave of support from their allies, the Second Continental Congress voted to allow the formation of independent colonial governments (see https://prayatlunch.us/conveyed-into-judah/). Two months later, the encouraged and emboldened American colonies signed the Declaration of Independence.
Life is not a solo sport; neither is leadership or governance. We all need the equipping, encouraging, and emboldening that comes with strong, trusting relationships. All too often our rugged independence, a positive characteristic in many situations, causes us to neglect such relationships and try to solve our problems on our own. In doing so, we lose an important force multiplier that comes with friendships, partnerships, and collaborations.
PLEASE PRAY FOR AMERICAN CHRISTIANS TO SEEK ALLIANCES WITH OTHER LIKE-MINDED BELIEVERS. We could all use more equipment, and an extra dose of encouragement and boldness that comes through trusting relationships.
