Two are Better Than One

There's an old proverb, or maybe it's an old wives tale, that says: if two ducks cross your path it will bring you luck on that day. I never take too much stock in some of these old proverbs of fortune, but the number two does play a significant role in our journey with the Lord. First we have:

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.

For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.

But woe to him who is alone when he falls,

for he has no one to help him up. (Eccl.4:9,10)

Having another spiritual shoulder to lean on, to call on, and to go to for comfort in the time of need is important. Everyone needs someone to pick them up when they fall.

Another important aspect of the number two is:

"Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.

"For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, I am there in the midst of them."

And that is what I experienced this past weekend at my church's first men retreat. We had 15 guys including our Pastor spend time together in fellowship, worship, and prayer. It was so much more than what I was expecting. I knew when first planning this event that God was up to something.

During our Saturday morning time together in worship and prayer for one another God was truly in our midst. It was so intense that upon leaving for lunch afterward I could barely walk out the door.

I love it when God not only shows up, but in such a powerful way that He greatly exceeds our expectations.

On the preceding night some of us stayed up late to watch the film Bruce Almighty:

Jim Carey, as Bruce, is not having things go his way and vents his frustration out at God. So God decides to give him all the powers to see if he could do a better job. And naturally Bruce selfishly uses those powers to fulfill his own desires before coming to the realization that there's more to life than having our own selfish needs met.

Sometimes we forget the power that we already have in Christ Jesus:

Behold, I give you authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:19)

And that power we have when we are in unity with two or more believers. Coming into agreement with others in prayer is a wonderful thing. It works, and prayers get answered.

All of our expectations as men of God were fulfilled at this retreat. We not only had much fun, but came away enriched.

Two may be better than one, but 15 is even greater!