Better Together

In Acts 1, Jesus had recently risen from the dead. He instructed His followers not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit. Some scholars suggest that around 500 people were present. However, in chapter 2, when the Holy Spirit descended, only 120 were gathered in the upper room, waiting. The remaining 380 may have been preoccupied, fatigued, or occupied with other tasks. Regardless of the reason, they missed out on experiencing what God had promised.

Those 120 in the upper room were united in purpose. The Bible says, “...they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house...” (Acts 2:1–2, NIV). When you are connected with other Believers in the house of God, together in unity, you are in a position to receive something special from Heaven.

I read about redwood trees in California, the tallest trees in the world, which can grow over 350 feet in height and live for more than two thousand years. They’re incredibly resilient, withstanding winds, storms, pests, and all kinds of things that would cause other trees to fall. What’s interesting is that the redwood’s roots reach down in the ground less than twelve feet, with the biggest root being one inch in diameter. How can those small roots, only a fraction of the height of the tree, keep the tree up? What’s unique about their roots is that they are intertwined with other redwoods. They grow close to each other, but their roots spread out a hundred feet and connect with all the other redwoods close by. When the winds blow, even though it can be a powerful storm, the redwood tree doesn’t just rely on its roots but the roots of many trees around them, causing the entire forest to be linked together. That wind is not blowing against one tree; it’s blowing against thousands of trees. That’s how the redwood tree can stand thousands of years. Each one has the root strength of the whole forest.

You were not meant to journey through life alone. You were designed to be connected, to be a part of a family of faith. When you’re firmly planted in the house of the Lord, your roots get connected with mine and others, creating a support system that makes you unshakeable. We’re there to stabilize you, steady you, and encourage you. And Scripture says that “one can chase a thousand, but two can put ten thousand to flight” (see Deuteronomy 32:30). Imagine the power when we’re all connected. No weapon formed against us can prosper. Together, we are more resilient, stronger, and unbeatable.

When you’re planted in the house of the Lord, you’ll not only see breakthroughs happen, but your faith will create an atmosphere for God to bless others too. We are better together!