A couple of weeks ago, in our home group, we were discussing marriage and Ecclesiastes 4:12,
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (NIV)
In the context of marriage we quickly come to the conclusion that the three strands equal, the husband, the wife and God at the center, holding it all together. I don’t think that’s wrong, I’ve heard this analogy used in weddings and I agree, a marriage with Christ at the center is going to be a stronger, healthier and happier marriage than one without. But, even as we were discussing, I couldn’t help but think that there was more to that verse (I didn’t say anything ’cause I get nervous and it takes me a while to process, but here I am two weeks later still thinking about it) . . .
I am a very strong believer in authentic, real friendships. I would rather have a handful of good friends that I can be myself with than know the whole town, but have no one to confide in.
Three strands,
three strands,
three strands . . .
couldn’t put it out of my mind . . .
We need others, not around us, but involved in our lives – intertwined, connected, close. We are stronger and better when we have someone alongside of us to challenge us, encourage us, pray with us and for us, speak truth to us. We are not meant to go through this life alone – in marriage or in singleness – we need friends to walk alongside us. Being completely real and open with others can be scary, embarrassing at times, messy, but oh so rewarding in the end (if you find the right people).
I looked up Ecclesiastes 4:12 this morning again, this time in The Message and this is what it says, I love it,
“By yourself you’re unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped.”
That’s all it takes, at least three – three friends, three couples, three people along side of you. Ones you can be completely open, honest and real with – ones that will stand along side of you in the good times, but most importantly when you are facing the worst. Think of how different our impact would be, as believers, if we didn’t try to go through life alone. If we gave each other permission to share and be real – we could overcome so much, break away from strongholds and make such an amazing impact in our communities. So, do you have THREE? If you don’t, I encourage you to take that step, as scary as it may be, to find someone who you can trust and share with openly and do life together.
So happy you finally let that out! I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately. By opening up I have finally been able to build those friendships. Thanks for being one of those friends to me!
Amen to that! So thankful for my sisters in Christ that I can be real with and who keep me real!
Very well said! And I totally agree with you. Real friendships are so important. If you find that special relationship with someone, where there is an equal amount of give & take, grab hold of it. It is so important to have like-minded friends whom God uses to help keep us focused on Him. Friends who move along with us through our journey in life with encouragement & support are a precious gift from God.
<3 ya friend!
oops…the heart didn’t show up…what I meant was…
Love ya friend!
Good Stuff Vanessa! So very well put.
Wow. Love your thoughts here, Vane… So so true. God never intended us to do this thing alone. First and foremost we need His sweet Holy Spirit to guide us, and then a few authentic friends to join hands with us and travel along side us, as well. Friends we can “be real” with, and allow into the “messy closets” of our lives. Friends that we don’t have to perform for, or have it all together for. Friends that know us as we are, and love us anyway!! Friends who are not afraid to jump in the fray and help us slay our dragons… Friends who invest in us. And I’ll go on record now, thanking you for being one of my three! ((Hugs))!!
thumbs up! here’s to getting messy – and then cleaning up the messes alongside one another. the paths in life look a lot less intimidating when walked with one another, and the valleys arent so lonely or seem quite as challenging. there are things put in our way that we are meant to face, battle, and work out – but to reach out and hold a hand when you make those steps is really an awesome feeling. i think couples doing that together is REALLY an awesome feeling as well. love to you muh friend. “vurry good”