Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.

“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.”

I worked on summer camp staff for five summers and served my last summer in California. For about six weeks, my team lived and worked at a campground in Northern California that is nestled in the middle of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. That summer was the first time I had traveled west of the Mississippi River, and I had the opportunity to see so many awesome things. One of the sites that I did not see, that I was so close to, and that I regret, are the giant sequoia redwood trees.

These trees are huge! Here are some interesting facts about them. They can live to be over 3,000 years old. They can grow to over 300 feet tall. And, they have diameters from 35-40 feet. Those numbers are hard to even wrap your mind around! They are certainly the most massive and oldest trees on the planet!

You would expect these trees to have massive root systems, right? But in actuality, their root systems are surprisingly shallow—only extending about 6 to 12 feet deep! To compare, a standard oak tree will grow anywhere from 40-80 feet tall and could have root systems from 4-15 feet deep. The redwoods are like 6 times as tall and have roots about the same depth.

So, what allows these mighty trees to grow so tall and not fall under normal conditions, much less enduring harsh weather conditions?

The secret lies in their interconnected roots. The roots of neighboring redwoods intertwine and support one another, creating a network of strength and support that allows them to withstand wind, storms, and even fires that could otherwise topple them. Together, they stand stronger than they would alone. And, so can we!

We are not meant to face challenges alone. We are not meant to be lone ranger Christians. We are not meant to do life alone. Just as the redwoods’ roots support each other, we are called to support one another. What does this support look like?

Share each other’s burdens. Encourage one another. Be kind and show expressions of love. Work together. Put other’s needs and desires before your own. When we take these actions, we grow stronger. Our individual strengths combine to create something far greater than the sum of our parts.

Did you catch the fact that this is two-fold? We need to allow others into our lives to support and encourage us, and then we need to seek to help others in the same way. Don’t shut others out. Allow others to be a part of your life. Seek biblical community. Then, take steps to be intentional in pursuing others, offering your time, resources, and strength to walk alongside them. Both you and the other person will receive a true blessing.

We can be a vital part of someone else’s journey. Together, we can grow, learn, and make a difference in each other's lives! Just like the redwoods, we are stronger when we support each other. We are better together!

Call to Action

Who do you know who needs support and encouragement? Write their name on a notecard or sticky note.

What actions can you take this next week to reach out to this person and offer support? Note these beside their name. Commit to following through with at least one of these.

What steps can you take to let other people into your life in the days ahead? Join a small group at church. Engage in that conversation you have been putting off. Seek to mend a relationship. Meet a neighbor. Invite a friend to lunch.

Dig Deeper

Read these additional Scriptures: Galatians 6:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, John 13:34, Proverbs 27:17, Hebrews 10:24-25

Prayer

God, thank you for the gift of relationships and community so we do not have to go it alone. Help me to be mindful of those who need my support and encouragement and to be open to letting others into my life.

Don’t Go It Alone

Kyle Cravens

Don’t Go It Alone

Divine Appointments

Bright Future

Kyle Cravens