recently we began our discussion of palatable pairings (things in the kitchen that work great together), and the POWER OF TWO. We listed such delectable duos as peanut butter and jelly; bread and butter; peaches and cream; and we mentioned how the power of two can carry over into life. When two people work together to achieve a goal or realize a dream, they can accomplish far more than they might individually. The SUM really is greater than the parts. That’s why the buddy system works so well … on the job, when dieting, cleaning the house, etc. Usually makes things a lot more fun, too!
Here’s a few more examples of kitchen companions: fork and knife (only together can they conquer that juicy steak); cup and saucer (both serve a need, but only together are they an elegant couple); table and chair (Who wants to eat standing up? And when you’re seated, a table can hold far more dishes than your lap!); pot and lid. (Hey, do we really need to explain this dynamic duo?)
There’s a Biblical basis for the POWER OF TWO, one that goes well beyond all those cute animal couples that boarded the SS Noah’s ARK “two by two”! (Genesis 6:9) Yes, the POWER OF TWO has a spiritual application: the GOD Factor! What’s the GOD Factor? Well, we just now made that part up, but essentially it describes higher mathematics (“higher” as in Heaven). It’s when 1 + 1 = 3. Here’s how it works: “…Where two or three gather together as My followers, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20 NLT) In other words, when believers meet to pray or fellowship, God joins the gathering!
Prior to the coming of Jesus Christ (Yeshua), it took 12 men to form a “proper” spiritual gathering or assembly. Thanks to the presence of the Lord, it takes only two now! (Actually only ONE, but we’ll get to that.) It takes only two, because God shows up — AND HE CARRIES WAY MORE WEIGHT!! He’s the “CEO” in any meeting and He has the authority to get things done — even when there’s not a quorum.
But to ensure our team leader is present, we need to be sure we’re allowing Him to be in charge. We have to invite Him to be the Captain of our souls, to take the helm of our lives, and c
hart the right course for each of us. After all, He should be in charge, because He’s infinitely wiser and more powerful than we are. He’s our safe port in a storm: “What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” (Romans 8:31 NLT)
“Okay, but what if I’m all by my lonesome? What then? Does God abandon me so He can go hang out in a ‘crowd’ of 2 or more?” No way! When it comes to a relationship with God, One is NOT the loneliest number! God is always in the midst of “two or more,” but He’s also CONSTANTLY at the side of every SINGLE believer! Remember, He’s “… a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24 NIV)
You may be single and feeling like you don’t have any real friends; you may be divorced or widowed, and struggling with isolation and despair; you may be an orphan, or at times you feel like one; someone may have abandoned you or left you in the lurch; you may feel all alone in this big world, but God “Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I forsake you.'” (Hebrews 13:8 NASB)
With Christ, you are never alone! “…Remember I am with you always until the end of time.” (Matthew 28:20 GOD’S WORD) So whether you’re “alone” or in a group, TAP INTO THE POWER OF TWO!
“…Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)