Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.—Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV)

My daughter, Kim, invited me to stay with her and her children for 6 weeks while her husband worked out of town. I had just signed a book contract and would need to work on my new project while I was there, so I packed various research materials in my suitcase. This, of course, made the suitcase heavy. 

When I arrived at Kim’s home, I parked my suitcase at the bottom of the steps that led to my bedroom. I intended to fetch it a few minutes later, but Kim got there first and began lugging it up the stairs. Her three-year-old daughter watched for a moment and then offered to help. As she reached for the handle on the side of the suitcase, she said with wisdom beyond her years, “You’re much stronger with a friend.” 

We all need friends at the best of times because God created us to flourish in community. When life gives us a load that seems too heavy to bear, we need those friends to come alongside us even more. Trouble is, sometimes our friends can’t be there for us when we need them. They may be ill, absent, or struggling with problems of their own. But there is one friend who is always present: Jesus. We can count on Him to help us no matter what the problem is and whenever we seek His help. Nothing’s too heavy for Jesus.

Faith Step: Recall a time when a friend’s presence, advice, or practical help strengthened you. Take a moment to write that person a note of appreciation and let her know she reflected Jesus to you.