Ecclesiastes 4:9 NLT and Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT

READ: "...for they can help each other succeed...two can stand back-to-back and conquer...."

REFLECT: I know this, yet I go alone often. I help others, but rarely let them help me. I read a story once about some people from a tribe in Africa wanting to help the Hurricane Katrina victims. Many people's first reaction was that even if we were greatly affected, we were not in as much need as those tribe members. In other words, we can take care of ourselves. I believe this was also President Bush's reaction as well. I've come to realize that this is the wrong response. Even if the help given is not as much as we can help ourselves, it is imperative that we allow that help. Pride is truly the greatest sin. Regarding the Africans, they did assist the cleanup efforts for a community devastated by the storm; grace ruled in that instance.

RESPOND: Father, you have told us that "two are better than one" and that "three is even better." Only together will we succeed and conquer. Help me to be gracious in my giving and receiving. Give me the strength to ask for help. When offered with help, even if I did not ask, let me accept it graciously. Make it so! This is true!