A CORD OF THREE STRANDS

NOT EASILY BROKEN Your Not Alone Ecclesiastes 4:4-12 The Vanity of Selfish Toil Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken" What the authour is saying here is very important, a christian partnership is stronger because God is in it. God should be the glue that keeps it together. Two people in unity with God makes the partnership stronger. Or at least it should. As I prepare to go to the USA to perform our granddaughters wedding, this idea truely comes into play when two people are joininh together to become one under Gods leadership, through both the Groom and the Brides relationship with Him. Yes, two are better than one, three (traditionally God, bride, groom) create a stronger, unbreakable bond. The term is "until death do we part." The bible tells us, Ecclesiastes 4:9–12,there are benefits of partnership, community,teamwork, and support, when those involved are being directed by God As soon as the himan element comes into it there is trouble. A unity ritual (often using gold, purple, and white cords) where the bride and groom weave together, with God at the center of the relationship. Signifies, God as the centre of the relationship and this is the couples wish from the very start. But this same picture can illustrate any relationship—friendship, family, or community— will be stronger when, they continually place God first. And He is woven into everyones every day life. As those involved face challenges, their shared faith in God kicks in, and the challenges do not seem as bad, because there are two or more owrking towards the same goal. It really brings to light the scriptures here in Ecclesiastes, that a threefold cord cannot be easily broken, when God is in the equation providing strength as the number "ONE" strand of a three or more strand rope. I can speak from experience that it is true, God increases endurance, in marriage and in any other life experience we face. God makes the difference. Closing of the Bible back this up in (Romans 8:28) Godhere promises that every circumstance—both good and bad— He will use for the spiritual good of the believer that is involed in the circumstance. It says for believers who love Him and are called according to His purpose. So for me, even when I am facing some bad stuff, I am comforted knowing that God is in control, and He hads my good in mind. I know God has plan for my good and no for my harm. Jeremiah 29:11, which states, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". God has a plan to conform His people to the image of His Son. That has to be good. When the bible says all, or all things, that is what it means. "All Things", every life circumstance, including suffering, trials, pain, and joy, says God actively manages all events in the believers life to produce a outcome that will be good in the end. God wastes nothing that happens to us. This good I believe is speaking of spiritual maturity and even conformity to the ways of God, and following Jesus Christs examples, it may not be physical or material comforts or even temporary happiness, but as we go through the trial, we will come out of it spiritually stronger. God promises this to us as believers who love God and have the desire to be within His perfect will.