Two Are Better
Wednesday, February 21
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV)
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
Devoción
When we examine the unity of marriage we see that we need to make God priority #1 and our spouse priority #2. Why is this structure set up accordingly? This structure is intentional because God provides us with a supportive partner in our journey with Him and through the unpredictable challenges life throws at us. It is a divine command to extend a helping hand to our spouse when they face setbacks, whether in their spiritual journey or during times of illness, and adversity. In doing so, we actively honor and glorify God.
For those who are unmarried but have an accountability partner in their Christian journey, the same principle applies. God calls us to be a source of support and assistance to our companions during their challenges.
Taking inspiration from Matthew 18:20, where Jesus proclaims, "For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them," we gain insight into the profound significance of uniting in God's name. This scripture emphasizes God’s divine presence when believers unite. In the context of marriage and ministry teams, His presence amplifies the strength derived from mutual support and shared faith. Let us keep the #1 in everything we do throughout the day and at some point meet with our #2 to unite in prayer.
Oración de hoy
Married (to be prayed together):
Querido Padre Celestial,
We thank You for the gift of each other and the gift of marriage. We confess that we don't always believe that two are better than one, so we exclude our spouse from prayer, from planning, and from the consideration that is due them. Give us the gift of repentance so we can keep Jesus number one and our spouse number two. Teach us to communicate better in love and honesty for the service of Your kingdom so that the true strength of two united in Jesus can have its impact as You intend and promise. In the Name of Jesus, We pray. Amen.
Single:
Querido Padre Celestial,
I thank You for the gift of marriage. I confess I've often been confused, frustrated, and discontent with being single. I pray that You would either give me the gift of singleness, sometimes called celibacy or that You would bless me with a spouse so I can experience the promise of two being better than one. In the meantime, help me keep Jesus number one and make me a more obedient servant to Your kingdom. Remove any impediments to me being a faithful servant to Your kingdom and brothers and sisters in Jesus. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Aplíquelo hoy mismo
Pastor Craig Groeschel encouraged spouses to develop this one life-changing, marriage-growing habit: Pray with your spouse. Keep it short. Be consistent. Did you miss yesterday? Pray together today. If you miss one day, don’t miss two.
Recursos:
- Watch the message, “Who’s Your Crew,” and be encouraged to pursue Godly connections with others.
- Memorize Hebrews 13:4 together with your spouse. Make it personal, replacing ‘the’ with ‘our’, and declare it to each other and God daily.
- If you are single and awaiting your #2, memorize and meditate on 2 Corinthians 6:14, each time you are tempted to settle for less than God’s best, and be encouraged in the wait.