Two Are Better 两人比一人好

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Dexu Xia

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Mar 13, 2020, 1:43:20 AM3/13/20

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Two Are Better

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. Ecclesiastes 4:9

In the 1997 Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii, two women fought to stay on their feet as they hobbled toward the finish line. Exhausted, the runners persevered on wobbly legs, until Sian Welch bumped into Wendy Ingraham. They both dropped to the ground. Struggling to stand, they stumbled forward, only to fall again about twenty meters from the finish line. When Ingraham began to crawl, the crowd applauded. When her competitor followed suit, they cheered louder. Ingraham crossed the finish line in fourth place, and she slumped into the outstretched arms of her supporters. Then she turned and reached out to her fallen sister. Welch lunged her body forward, stretching her weary arm toward Ingraham’s hand and across the finish line. As she completed the race in fifth place, the crowd roared their approval.

This pair’s completion of the 140-mile swimming, biking, and running race inspired many. But the image of the weary competitors persevering together remains ingrained in my mind, affirming the life-empowering truth in Ecclesiastes 4:9–11.

There’s no shame in admitting we require assistance in life (v. 9), especially since we can’t honestly deny our needs or hide them from our all-knowing God. At one time or another, we’ll all fall, whether physically or emotionally. Knowing we’re not alone can comfort us as we persevere. As our loving Father helps us, He empowers us to reach out to others in need, affirming they too aren’t alone.

How has someone helped you? How can you encourage others this week?

All-powerful God, thank You for reassuring us of Your constant presence as You help us and give us opportunities to reach out and help others.

两人比一人好

两个人总比一个人好，因为二人劳碌同得美好的果效。—传道书4章9节

在1997年的夏威夷铁人三项锦标赛中，两位女选手奋力站起来，步履蹒跚地走向终点。她们已筋疲力尽，仍坚持前进，途中希恩（Sian Welch）撞上温蒂（Wendy Ingraham），两人双双跌到。她们挣扎着再站起来，但在离终点线只有20公尺时又跌倒了。于是温蒂开始爬行前进，群众都为她喝采，接着希恩也跟着爬行，群众更是大声地加油打气。温蒂首先爬到终点，倒入支持者向她伸出的手臂中，成为第四名，但她随即转过头，向同样跌倒的选手希恩伸出援手。希恩爬行向前，朝温蒂伸出她疲惫的手臂，藉着温蒂的一臂之力，越过终点线，在群众的欢呼声中成为第五名！这对选手坚持完成长达225公里的游泳、骑单车和跑步的比赛，激励了许多人。但疲惫的选手一起坚持的画面，更是深植我心，这印证了传道书4章9-11节这个加添力量的真理。

承认我们在生活中需要帮助并不可耻（9节），特别是在全知的上帝面前，我们无法违背心意否认自己的需要，也无法有所隐藏。在人生的道路上，无论是在生理或情绪方面，我们都可能会“跌倒”。然而当我们坚持向前时，知道自己并不孤单会让我们得安慰。慈爱的天父会帮助我们，祂也会加添我们力量去帮助那些有需要的人，让他们也知道他们并不孤单。

全能的上帝，谢谢祢帮助我们，并给我们帮助他人的机会，再次印证祢一直与我们同在。