Morning Devotional 050323 Strength in the Body

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

May 3, 2023

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

9 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their hard work. 10 If either should fall, one can pick up the other. But how miserable are those who fall and don’t have a companion to help them up! 11 Also, if two lie down together, they can stay warm. But how can anyone stay warm alone? 12 Also, one can be overpowered, but two together can put up resistance. A three-ply cord doesn’t easily snap.

Good Morning, We are one in the Spirit!

One of anything is not as strong as two or more. This is readily seen in many daily applications. A rope is stronger than a string because several strings come together and work as one. If a single string begins to fray, there are others to maintain and continue the work. Think of the birds flying in formation as they move around the sky. There is one in the lead of the v-formation. When the leader tires, another bird comes forward to bear the burden of leading and take the force of the wind upon itself. This pattern continues until the destination is reached.

God created us to be with others. A single person is subject to weakness. The old adage of “strength in numbers” is relevant when we think of a single servant of God. It is often unsuccessful when one person tries to do a complex or lengthy task. As people, we need food, water, and rest, so the work must stop when one steps away to meet their physical needs. With a team, the work can continue as all share the load. Most of us have fallen at some point in our lives. Depending on the situation, it is nearly impossible to get up by yourself.

These are examples of the physical need for support, but what about mental, emotional, or spiritual needs for support? In a mental challenge, different perspectives, as seen through the eyes of others, are helpful or even essential to solve the problem. When we are overcome by emotions, having someone to listen to and support us is comforting.

God calls for us to love one another and join in the fellowship of believers. Within the one body, there are many, each with our own gifts and talents. When we work together as one, we can support each other and accomplish God’s mission for us. Scripture provides many verses encouraging us to love and support one another.

In Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”

Romans 1:12 states, “That is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.”

In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, we read, “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.”

There is indeed strength found in the body of believers to provide the support and nourishment we need as we journey together in faith. Help us to rotate and take turns bearing the burdens as we are called forward.

Blessed God, We thank you for Your blessings. We come to you weak and sinful. You give us love, and our strength grows. Thank You! In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: My prayers can help steady the faith of others.

Come together and feel the strength of God! Pastor Liz