Four Legs Are Better than Two

Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Gavin walked into the six-inch-deep stream right behind his friend Will. The water filled his shoes and stuck his pants to his ankles. The round stones shifted under his feet as he slogged through the water.

Further downstream the rocks became larger and rougher, the ground more uneven, and the water muddy. Gavin felt around with one foot before taking each step. Even when he found a good rock, sometimes the surface was slick.

Suddenly his foot slipped. He fought for balance, but he fell on his bottom with a huge splash.

Will hurried back to him. “Gavin, are you okay?” he asked, reaching down to help Gavin to his feet.

“I’m fine,” Gavin said. “I mean, besides being so wet.” He laughed and tried not to cry. His elbow and knee hurt, and he had stubbed a toe. He wasn’t sure he wanted to keep walking. He would probably just fall again.

“I have an idea,” said Will. “Put your arm around my shoulder, and I’ll put my arm around yours. Now let’s try walking in the creek.”

Gavin and Will took a step forward at the same time. Then another. And another. Suddenly Gavin slipped again, but this time Will held him up.

After a couple more steps, Will slipped, and Gavin caught him. They started walking faster and with more confidence, and whenever one of them slipped, the other caught him so he didn’t fall.

“This is fun,” Gavin said. “I was scared I’d fall again, but now I feel safe.”

“Maybe we can help each other out of the water too,” Will said. “You know, like Pastor Evans was talking about in church last week. He said Christians need to work together so we can hold each other up spiritually when we start to fall. That’s why going to church and having Christian friends is so important.”

“How can we hold each other up spiritually?” Gavin asked. He thought about it. “I know! We could ask each other about what we read in the Bible.”

“Yeah, and when you’re struggling with something, tell me. And I’ll tell you about things I’m struggling with or worried about.”

“That sounds like a great idea,” Gavin said, holding on to his friend as he walked across another slippery rock. “We’re stronger together!” – Amy Glendinning

How About You?

Do you ever feel like the Christian life is too hard? Do you forget to read your Bible or get discouraged about sad events? Maybe you keep giving in to the same sin over and over. Jesus never meant for you to walk with Him alone. Become friends with other Christians and talk often about Jesus and His Word so you can encourage each other when you start to struggle.

Today’s Key Verse:
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Two are better than one…For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.

Today’s Key Thought:

Christians can help each other