Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 KJV — Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. [10] For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
[11] Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? [12] And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
The scriptures teach on the importance of friendship, partnership, and team building. We understand that two are better than one; hence the need to build a partnership. The key benefits of friendship, teaming, and partnership are:
- Finding support and reinforcement in the day of adversity and falling. When two walk together they help each other in the day of adversity because they know how what happens to one affects them. Does your friendship provide support and reinforcement? Does the person you call a friend lift you up in the day you fall? If the person you call a friend deserts you in the day you are down, they were no friends
- Finding warmth. A friend is like a fire place, they keep you warm. If your friends or team members do not lift or warm you, replace them. Your team members and friends must recharge you while you inspire them. If the people around you don’t recharge and warm you on a cold day, they are not friends. Remember that there were 600 men that gathered round David in the cave of Abdullam; these men turned against him when the Amelekites raided their camp. These were not friends, they were dependent!
- Finding support and an alliance to withstand things that rise against you. When your phone doesn’t ring when you come between the red sea and a hard place; don’t answer it when you come out. A friend is made for the day of adversity, but many of the people around you are there as leeches and parasites. They are not friends! They are opportunists; that is why they desert you in the midst of afflictions.
Do you remember the story of Job; his three friends visited when he went through afflictions. A friend is one that comes around when they hear of your affliction and calamity. What kind of friends do you have that throw you under the bus. What kind of friend are you that deserts your team when they get stuck? Beloved a friend sticks closer than a brother.
The worst mistake I made in my little life was to surround myself with opportunists and people who were around because they needed what I brought; and I mistakenly called them friends. Your friends partner with you, they are not there to take from you.
If the people around you depend on you in ways you can never depend on them, they are not friends! They are suckers, leeches, and parasites. Stop calling people who take away from you and never give anything back, friends. They are not! They are dependants. A friend stands with you and does not suck your blood and energy.
Prophetic prayers
- Pray that God will connect you to people who can team up with you to create; lift you when you fall; keep you warm on a cold day; and stand with you to withstand anything that prevails against you! Pray for the right people to come along!
- Pray that the Lord will give you the courage to walk out of any thing that is no longer serving you or the purpose.
- Pray that the Lord will help you keep faith with people who stood with you when everyone turned their back on you!
Stay blessed
