There’s Strength In Numbers

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

“I’m wondering if I could join your group?” I started to type a message to a woman I knew only nominally. “I saw you post that you were starting one to help women with their gut health, and I’d really like to be part of it, if you don’t mind.” I hit send, wondering if she’d think it odd that a random person was messaging her.

A short while later, I got a reply. “Of course! I’d love to have you join us. Give me your email, and I’ll send you all the information.”

I whispered a prayer of thanks to God as I messaged her back. I’d been dealing with some health issues mostly on my own, and I was feeling a little overwhelmed. I knew I needed to adjust my nutrition to work with food sensitivities I have, but I just didn’t know where to start.

Over the course of the next several weeks, in a group with about twenty other women, I was able to receive (and offer) encouragement and to share ideas for recipes and food options. Slowly I began to feel hopeful that I could manage the health issues I was having. Being part of a group gave me the boost in confidence that I needed and didn’t have on my own.

Scripture is right, in the same way that “iron sharpens iron,” so friends sharpen one another—often pushing us beyond what we’re capable of doing on our own. When one friend is down, the other is there to encourage and uplift, offering perspective the other doesn’t have during the hard times. God knew we’d need friends and community, and he gave us the people in our lives as a gift, a blessing here to walk with us through good and difficult days. There really is strength in numbers.

Kendra

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Thank God for all the people he’s placed in your life who have offered you encouragement and pushed you in areas you’ve needed support. Then send them a message, letting them know how much you appreciate them.