Buddy Up!

Growing up, I was fortunate enough to never have broken any bones, but I sure remember a lot of friends who’d break an arm or leg and have to wear a cast for an extended period. I don’t think those bulky, plaster casts are used as much today, but that surely was a rite of passage back in the day…a get out of class early pass, a chance to get a lot of autographs!

Cast, boot, sling…whatever the preferred method of healing, how do you fix a broken toe? I read that usually, unless it is extensive damage to the big toe, doctors use what they call a “buddy strap” to bind the broken toe next to its non-broken neighbor toe. This strap keeps the broken toe aligned while the healthy toe gives the damaged toe support. Hmmm…

As believers, when we’re hurting, we need this “buddy strap” system. We need to be joined together with someone who’s not hurting, someone strong, who can align us and give us support. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.”

God never intended for us to suffer alone. Beside the fact that the bible says He’s always with us, and we can find comfort in that, sometimes we need that physical connection to help get us through those stormy trials. That’s why BEING in church is so important; it’s a place to make those connections so when the time comes, they can be your buddy system. The rest of Eccl. 4:10 says, “But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” The Message just says, “Tough.” That’s a little harsh, right? But it IS our responsibility to surround ourselves with fellow believers, like-minded people who we absolutely CAN depend on to be there for us when we need them. Trying to go it alone when we’re hurting is not only lonely, it can be dangerous, get us in “real trouble,” as the scripture says. We can get depressed, start using drugs, but what’s worse, fall away from God and lose our faith.

Whatever the physical ailment, healing always comes faster when we have a good attitude. When we’re facing spiritual affliction, we’ll heal faster if we’re surrounded and supported by those who believe that two are always better than one.