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Strength in Numbers

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”¹

Today, in the United States, families will observe Independence Day. We are blessed to live in a country with such great freedoms, but this freedom was obtained with the faithful service and sacrifice from the men and women who fought for them. It is something we should never take for granted.

I came across this quote, and it simply and clearly stated such a great truth:

"They depended on each other. And the world depended on them." I say, "We need to depend on each other so that our community and country can depend on us."²

The photograph Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima came to mind as I thought of the idea of having strength in numbers. The photograph depicts a group of soldiers working together to make sure our flag was standing. They were just ordinary men, who willingly accept the responsibility to accomplish extraordinary things, even in difficult times. If they had tried to work alone, they would have not been able to do what they did. Our soldiers have learned to work together, support each other, and protect each other.

When Jesus chose his disciples, he chose 12 ordinary men. All of them possessed different talents and strengths, which were equally important in continuing the work Jesus had started. They learned together, shared life, and served others together. This was God´s design for all of us as well.

We are God’s army here on earth. Just as our soldiers have worked together to ensure our wellbeing, we must work together and encourage others to continue moving forward in this battle against our enemy, the devil. Being part of the body of Christ will help us fulfill our individual roles successfully because we can count on the support of others. We all know that Christ will return as he said he would but let us work faithfully and diligently until He does.

Suggested Prayer: Dear God, thank you for all the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, our country. Their continuous and cooperative effort has ensured the freedoms we enjoy. I pray that you would help us learn to work with others, as we seek to be an effective witness for you. Thank you for choosing an ordinary person like me to do extraordinary things in You. I pray that my life would motivate and encourage others to know you more. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

1. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT).

2. Quote from Band of Brothers: "There Was A Time When the World Asked Ordinary Men to Do Extraordinary Things."