Chapter One

A man from the big city was enjoying a relaxing drive in the country when a dog ran in front of his car. He swerved to miss it but lost control of his car and ended up in a ditch. After a few unsuccessful attempts to get his car out, the man sat on hi s bumper and waited for help to arrive.

He didn't have to wait long. A farmer who lived just down the road came to his aid with a big, powerful-looking horse.

The man watched as the farmer hitched the horse to the car's bumper. When the rope was secure, the farmer yelled, "Pull, Nellie, pull!" But the horse didn't move.

Then the farmer yelled, "Pull, Buster, pull!" But the horse didn't move.

Next the farmer yelled, "Pull, Coco, pull!" But the horse still didn't move.

Finally, the farmer said, "Pull, Buddy, pull!" And the horse dragged the car from the ditch with very little effort.

The motorist was appreciative-and a little curious. "Why did you call out four names when your horse only responded to one?" he asked.

The farmer smiled. "Oh, Buddy is blind," he explained, "and if he thought he was the only one pulling he wouldn't even try!"

? WHERE TO TAKE IT FORM HERE ...

Just like Buddy, we need other people to bring out the best in us. As the Scripture says, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken" (Ecclesiastes 4:12). That's why God created us to be part of a community, part of a family, part of the church.

It's very difficult to live the Christian life alone. It can be done, but like the verse says, one can be overpowered. The devil will find you easy prey. When you have others who are standing with you-even though they are not physically present-you can draw strength and encouragement from their prayers and support. We all really need each other.

(Continues...)