Strength In Numbers

Though one may be overpowered,

    two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV)

We had a nice dinner and conversation at my favorite local restaurant. My brother from Tennessee and his friend Tony had stopped by to visit with me on their way back from Canada. After the meal Tony said he wanted to pray for me as we stood outside of the restaurant before getting into our cars to leave. Tony took my right hand and had his other hand on my arm. My brother had his hand on my right shoulder. As we prayed I suddenly felt a hand on my left shoulder. The prayer continued and as it ended I looked to my left and saw a young man standing there. He had been on his way into the restaurant with a group of people and stopped to join in the prayer. He said he noticed something was going on and joined in. I thanked him and told him I appreciated it.

There is power in numbers. 

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20

Thinking back on that experience and the courage the young man had shown in being willing to join in a prayer for a stranger it encourages me to be bolder in joining in to help and encourage others who may be strangers. We need courage and boldness and a willingness to step out in faith to meet the needs of others.

I also could not help thinking about that experience regarding a fourth man joining us in prayer, of the book of Daniel where the three men were joined in the fire by a fourth man who showed up out of nowhere in the flames with them. God is with us when we join together giving us great strength in numbers.

Christians were never meant to “go it alone”. We come together in church and in small groups and with just a few friends, and with the talk and focus turning to Jesus He joins the group whether just two or more. What a blessing that is and a revelation we should keep in mind. We are never just a few in number, but a majority when Jesus takes center stage.

I encourage you to reach out to other Christians for strength and support, and be willing to be reached by other Christians who may need your strength and support. At some time in our life we will be the one in need, and the one who can reach those in need. And when our numbers grow, strength, power, and answered prayer by the Lord is sure to follow.

Gather together this week with other Christians, whether at your local church or simply to share a meal with one another. And invite the Lord to join you.

Prayer: Dear Lord, be with us in our gatherings whether large or small. And help us to help others who need You in their midst. Bless You and Thank You for being our Savior, Friend, and Ever Present Help in all of our needs. Amen.