August 16th Devotion

Why Two Are Better Than One (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
By: Betsy St. Amant Haddox

Today's Bible Verse: Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 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! - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV)

Sometimes in my Camp Gladiator workouts, our trainer has us partner into two-person teams. I love when we do that because it’s incredibly motivating! The other day when we did so, Partner 1 was to perform ten reps of a particular exercise, such as alternating snatches, “man-makers”, burpees, etc. while Partner 2 held a difficult pose, such as a high plank or a deep squat. The pressure was on Partner 1 to hurry and finish their reps, sprint to a certain spot and back, and relieve Partner 2 from their hold. Then we swapped and Partner 1 went into the hold move and waited their turn while Partner 2 performed the exercises and sprint.

Halfway through the workout, I started losing steam. It was hot and muggy, and I was exhausted. Everything in me was screaming to slow down, slack off, give up. But in the back of my mind, louder than the weary protests, was the (dramatic, I admit) thought “must…keep…going….must…save…Robyn…” Ha! But you know what? It worked. I knew she wouldn’t have relief until I made it back. And that kept me going running through the pain.

Our trainer recognized that we would be more motivated to push through this incredibly difficult workout when we were confronted with the reality of helping someone else. This is a Biblical principle at its root! The book of Ecclesiastes tells us that two are better than one. Teammates and helpmates make a world of difference when it comes to spurring each other on in the Christian faith. Think about the times in your spiritual walk where you felt burned out and weary and worn, and fellowship with another believer helped refuel your tank. We need each other—the Christian journey was never meant to be walked alone.

The Bible is full of examples of how the church in Acts banded together and helped each other financially, spiritually, and emotionally. And of course, there were twelve disciples and a group of apostles for a reason—no one is meant to do hard things by themselves.

You know the best part of the workout that day? Was sprinting toward that trash can, feeling like I was going to collapse, and hearing my partner yell after me from her plank hold “Go Betsy!”

If you’re feeling alone on the journey right now, partner up with other believers. Go to church. Surround yourself with fellow Christians who understand the urgency, who want to help spur you on in your “sprint”. And remember, even during seasons of loneliness or lack of fellowship, you’re never truly alone. Jesus promised He would never forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6) If you’re a believer, you have the gift of the Holy Spirit with you at all times!

So, press on. Keep running. You got this!