We need each other

Here's what I know:  There is no problem that is too big when you have help.

That is so true.

It's the principle of synergism:  Two working together can do far more than just one.

The Bible says, "One can put a thousand to flight, two can put ten thousand to flight."  Deuteronomy 32:30.

I am thankful for all of the ministry leaders and volunteers at our church.

Many spend long hours in ministry without a lot of recognition. 

We love and appreciate you!

But back to this thought:  No problem is too big when you have help.

We need each other!

When the people of Israel were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem (after returning from Babylon), Nehemiah appealed to the people for help.

Scripture quotes his plea to the people:

"You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire.  Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach."  And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also of the king's words that he had spoken to me.  So they (the nobles, priests, and officials) said, "Let us rise up and build."  Then they set their hands to this good work."  Nehemiah 2:17-18

A lot in those few verses.

When should we ask for help?

John Maxwell tells us that we should ask for help:

When the problems we face are bigger than us. 

Nehemiah had some huge difficulties facing him.  He was geographically far from the problem, over 1000 miles away, when he heard of the problem.

The people of Jerusalem had no materials to rebuild the walls.

The people of Jerusalem didn't want to rebuild.

The surrounding enemies of the people were in great opposition to them rebuilding.

Also, we should ask for help when the problem becomes personal.  When Nehemiah heard about the state of Jerusalem, he mourned for many days.  It was personal to him.  He needed help not only physically but emotionally.

We need to ask for help when we have shared the problem with God. 

The first things Nehemiah did when he heard about Jerusalem's condition was to have a talk with God.

"Have a little talk with Jesus," the song says.

Finally, I want to say something that I trust will not be misunderstood. 

Many times, in the midst of a difficulty, we don't need a miracle, we simply need each other.

Many times we don't need a miracle of finances at the church, we simply need each church family member to tithe and give out of open and sincere hearts.

Many times we don't need a miracle of praying in volunteers into the church, we simply need each church family member to step up and minister.

God has already provided all that we need!  We just need to work together. 

We really do need each other! 

We cannot run this spiritual race on our own.

Just a thought for a Wednesday.