Pilgrims On The Journey

Pilgrims on the Journey

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. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

When you and I set out on the adventure of following God’s will and purpose for our lives, we aren’t meant to be Lone Rangers. Today’s verses from Ecclesiastes tell us why: When we’re alone, we are more vulnerable to attack and defeat by the enemy and his forces around us. If we’re alone and we tumble or fail, we’re in deep trouble. But if we fall and have someone alongside us, our friend can reach out and help us. Moreover, two can accomplish more than twice as much as one can alone.

Today’s passage is often read at weddings, but it also applies to our need for others when we’re endeavoring to serve God. If we’re open and teachable, he will send people to share our lives with, to encourage us, to speak truth to us, and to be “Jesus with skin on.” People with strengths we lack will shore up our areas of weakness.

The Bible says, “Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body” (Romans 12:4-5). We may be doing different tasks, but we are meant to work together, not all alone. Just as we need our own eyes, feet, and arms, we need the other people in the body of Christ, and they need us. Nobody is strong in every area, or we wouldn’t need one another. God planned it this way! Accountability, prayer support, and the counsel of trusted people are crucial on the trail.

Even those who have gone before us in the journey of faith can inspire us. In addition to women in the Bible, there are Christian women throughout history whose lives and writings can encourage us: Amy Carmichael, Corrie ten Boom, Gladys Aylward, Elisabeth Elliot. They are all part of that “huge cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) that cheer us on in this adventure of faith. Read their stories, and as you pursue what God has for you to do, remember that you are not alone. —CHERI

Jesus, I’m thankful that I am part of your body and that there are many members. Please bring my path near to those you want me to support, and provide those who will bring strength where I’m weak. Thank you for glorifying yourself when we work together as members of your body on this earth.

Be united with other Christians. A wall with loose bricks is not good. The bricks must be cemented together.

—CORRIE TEN BOOM (1892–1983), HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR, AUTHOR