Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International.

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Robert Fulghum suggested, "Think of what a better world it would be if all of usâ€"the whole worldâ€"had cookies and milk about three o'clock every afternoon, and then lay down with our blankets for a nap. Or if we had a basic policy in our nation, and other nations, always to put things back where we found them, and cleaned up our own messes.

"And it's still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out into the world, it's best to hold hands and stick together."

I had a dear friend whom I met in kindergarten. We went through school and technical college together. We'd been through national service together, and, though for many years we lived thousands of miles apart, we never lost contact. Not so long ago my friend fell on hard times, became discouraged and depressed and, instead of reaching out for help, withdrew into himself and took his life. A tragic waste. How sad it is when, in our hour of need, as adults, we forget to hold hands.

We all have areas of weaknesses so we all need the support of a few friends with whom we feel safe, who won't judge, condemn or reject us, and will love and accept us as we are. None of us can make it on our own. We were created for relationships. We all need each other. Even Jesus, at the start of his ministry on earth, chose "the twelve" disciples  that they might be with him. How much more do we need friends who will be with us?

One reason we fall is because we try to make it on our own. God never meant for us to go it alone. We all need each other for support, and as long as we admit our needs, confess our areas of weaknesses, and keep holding hands, we're not likely to fall because we help hold each other up.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."¹

Suggested prayer" "Dear God, please give me a few friends who know me as I am and love me stillâ€"friends with whom I can share openly and honestly, laugh, cry, work, play and serve you, and friends who will hold me up when I feel too down to be able to stand up on my own. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV).

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