What Keeps Us Going

Then Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God.

1 Samuel 23:16

Army historian Brigadier General S. L. A. Marshall, after extensive interviews with soldiers returning from combat, concluded that the primary motivation for a soldier to fight is a sense of unity with his immediate combat unit. “I hold it to be one of the simplest truths of war,” he said, “that the thing which enables an infantry soldier to keep going . . . is the near presence or presumed presence of a comrade.”

Paul didn’t go to the mission field alone; he always had partners. Jesus sent His evangelists two by two. The three Hebrews in Daniel 3 proved that “a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). What would David have done without Jonathan’s support in the wilderness? Even our Lord Jesus wanted His closest friends near Him in Gethsemane. Our faith is strengthened when godly peers stand with us in difficulty.

But the question isn’t, “Do I have a close friend on whom I can lean?” It’s, “How can I be such a friend?” Look around today for someone needing encouragement. Spend extra time praying for one in need. Be cheerful at work or school. Speak to the custodian. Share a verse with a neighbor. Brighten the corner where you are!