Two or Three Witnesses
“For where two or three witnesses gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20, NIV).
In school, we’re taught from an early age that 1+1=2.
When you’re a baby, you learn to count by using your fingers and toes.
Body parts.
When you grow up you learn to count your toys. For instance, one for me, none for my baby brother! I loved being the first born, but that’s not the point!
Counting shouldn’t require thinking.
It’s a habit.
Something ingrained in us since childhood. Unfortunately, as “mature” adults we learn to count by comparing ourselves to others.
For instance, when I was single all I could think about was 1 + 0 = Fail. I hated the fact that all my close friends had boyfriends and husbands before I did.
It wasn’t until I was reading my Bible this weekend in Matthew that it hit me.
Two.
I didn’t need a specific person.
Just one more.
My heart instantly skipped a beat because God answered my prayers after all those years for a prayer partner. Then I felt renewed and strengthened by the power and intimacy of marriage because God gave me a +1.
BUT.
Thankfully, in God’s economy, there is no shame in numbers.
He didn’t say where a husband and a wife are: there I am in the midst. So, if you’re still single I challenge you: find a +1 and don’t be embarrassed or ashamed. And if you’re married, pray with your spouse and pray often!
“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:13-16, NIV).
Next time you are tempted to have pity on yourself–don’t. See, right there in the Bible we are without excuse!
We are to pray about everything! To bring our requests to God because He cares for us and does not withhold any good and perfect gift.
I don’t know about you, but I am so encouraged by this powerful reminder to pray with one another.
Find someone today and let’s get in agreement to pray together. Daily.
Let your praises rise.
Make your requests known.
Shake the gates of hell and worship the Lord for all He is and all He has done.
How can I pray for you?
[Photo taken seconds before Marc saw me in a wedding dress for the first time with my friends Monique, Jenn, and Rachel praying over me!]
