“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! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9
Some of my family and I hiked to Fern Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park this summer. It was a beautiful hike, and we had a fantastic time. I had been curious to hike to Fern Lake, given that a terrible fire had destroyed it three years ago. It was appropriately named the East Troublesome Fire. Additionally, the fire burned 193,000 acres (making it the second-largest fire in Colorado history).
We Need Connection
As we hiked to Fern Lake, I was struck by how quickly the forest had rebounded! In just three years, fairly large, new trees were everywhere. And guess what kind of tree was recovering the quickest…you guessed it, aspen trees! They were growing all over the mountain. There is a reason for that, as a matter of fact. Aspen saplings grow from the massive underground root system of the interconnected trees.
A spiritual lesson struck me as I walked through the rapidly recovering aspen forest. More specifically, it was a striking demonstration of the importance of interconnection between Believers. There are so many “one another” verses throughout the New Testament. Even these verses from Ecclesiastes teach us the importance of having people in your life.
Troublesome things are coming, Christian. However, God has designed the local Church to be an encouragement (and support) during all those things. Bible verses, prayers, texts, calls, visits, meals, and various encouragements from other Christians are always God’s tools for you. Without a doubt, they will help you rebound from the troublesome events of life!
Are you interconnected to the Body?
Posted in A Word from the Pastor