Text: Ecclesiastes 4:7-8

The word “stand-alone” is not necessarily referring only to a man who has no relatives but, a man may have all these people around him but, refuses to heed neither instruction nor counsel. A man that has no instructor or somebody who can talk to him is on his own. Such a person is living in fantasy and vanity.

God is a relational God. He manifests this attribute of His even in revealing things to men. “We know in part and prophesy in part” simply means God reveal things to us in part. When we relate and share what we know, each one of us will increase in knowledge, even that's when we have better understanding of what God is saying to us as individual. Many a time, you need somebody who is led by the spirit to interprete your dreams, vision even word you received from the Lord to you for better understanding. Often times when we walk alone we are susceptible to danger or mistakes that are easily avoidable had we received a godly counsel.

Samson had his parents and other relations with him who warned him against philistine women but, he would not listen. Hence, he went to Gaza alone only to fall on the laps of Delilah . He probably went alone knowing fully well that none of his relation would support his motive. Had he gone with one of his friends or associates, the fall could have been averted. We see a similar scenario in the life of David . A time when Kings were supposed to be the battle field, David was at home alone. Since he was alone and in a wrong place at that time, he became vulnerable to sin and an easy prey to the enemy of his soul, the devil. He committed adultery with Bathsheba .

However, David soon learnt not to stand alone. Hence, he surrounded himself with Nathan the prophet and Gad the seer. Though he went through a lot of temptations and tribulations, David never fell again. He realized that “in the multitude of counsel, there is safety”.

When we are in company of godly men, we are less prone to fall and can easily avoid deadly mistakes that can make us pray terrible prayer or say terrible things that can affect our destiny. Samson , in lonely anguish prayed that he would die with his enemy. And, he died with them! May that not be our portion. David on the other hand was sick while his son Adonijah proclaimed himself king over Isreal which was contrary to what the Lord had told him. But, Nathan who was with David reminded him of the Lord's word that Solomon would be the next king after him. David than asked that Solomon be made king instead. Sometimes, we need someone else to remind us of what we know but, have forgotten. We need somebody to help when we are in difficult situation.

The bible says, a man that stands alone is never satisfied with his riches as he continues to labour v.8. The fact is, he has no one to recreate with1 He fixes his eyes on riches and can never get enough because he is contented. Eccl.5:10; 6:7, Habb.2:5; 1Tim.6:6-10.

Arrogance and excessive cravings are attributed to any man who stands alone. The story the Lord told of a rich fool in Lk.12:15-21 is both a case study and a lesson to learn by all believers. One learns from this parable not to arrogate too much importance to one's wealth, knowledge, wisdom, gift and ability. Also, one can see that the man, though enriched by God, he never acknowledged God as his source. Pro.3:6 . We must avoid coveteousness. Col.3:5. Wealth on its own does not make the man. However, he makes definite impact when he uses his wealth to touch lives. Only then will his wealth be appreciated. This explains why man is referred to as a foolish rich man.

Again, loneliness is capable of stirring dejection, worry or oppression as we see in the life of John the Baptist. In loneliness, he “rebuked” or doubted the Lord Jesus Messianic status. But, he had earlier revealed Him to the Israelites as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the World. He had also proclaimed Him to be the One who would baptize with the Holy Ghost and fire. But, loneliness made him to think otherwise.

When you are alone, you are likely to become oblivious of what God is doing in other people. Tendency is that you'll think you are the only one God is using. The devil might make you even think you are the only one who knows God. Elijah thought in the same way when he told the Lord that the whole of Isreal had backslidded leaving only him on the Lord's side. The Lord did not fail to surprise Elijah when He told him that He still had 7000 men like him (probably better than him) who have not bowed down to Baal. This was evident when Obadiah told Elijah that some prophets of God were hid in the cave by himself who was still serving in Ahab 's palace. Did Elijah get that message? Yes. We must know that God still has remnants in every generation. These are men who will not sell their birth right irrespective of prevailing situation, good or bad. Realising this fact, we prevent us from isolating ourselves as well as walk with the Lord and His people in humility.

These facts will prevent us from humiliation and help us learn from others as we remain teachable. It will inevitably attract promotion to us, our family and ministry.

“It is not good for man to be alone” Gen.2:18. Since the Lord God says its not good for any man to stand alone, and found suitable helper for him. It stands to reason that it's bad for man to work alone, live alone or walk alone. Whatsoever ministry the Lord has give you, it can not be fulfilled by you alone. You have to accept the people God brings to help you in the work. Jesus sent them out in Twos.

When Peter was talking to the blind man at Gate beautiful Acts3, he said look on us. He recognized the fact that as he was talking, John 's heart was knitted with him in agreement and intercession. Remember also that they were going for prayers. We all need prayer partners.

Jesus was never alone in His earthly ministry except for a time of prayer. He told His Disciples to work in unity. His longest prayer in the public was “that they may be one as you (Father) and I(the Son) are One.” John 17:21

When a Believer joins himself with an unbeliever, he is alone. It paints picture of a sheep in the midst of wolves. The prodigal son took his own share of his father's wealth and left with friends to a far country where he lavished it on wild parties until he became poor. However, he repented in abject poverty and went back to his father when he began to eat with pigs. That step took him back to his original son ship status. The devil can not easily get a believer unless he first isolates him/her. When you start to pick offence or develop pride, know that the enemy is out to steal, and will want to kill and to destroy you. May that not be your portion in Jesus name. To break his jinx and call a bluff of him, you need to get back into fellowship with brethren. Heb. 10:25

It is terrible to be alone. Even Job in his travail was not alone; he had his friends around him always. Job 2: 11-13. They stood by him until his deliverance came despite the fact they couldn't understand what he was going through. The bible says, one will chase a thousand and two will put ten thousand to flight. Paul and Silas were united even in incarceration. As they prayed and sang together in the night, the power of God came down to destroy shackles tying there feet and broke the prison gate. Their deliverance came because, instead of murmuring, complaining or blaspheming, they chose to sing high praises to God in prayer. Ps. 149:6-9.

We can be alone with God like the Psalmist. Ps. 42: 1-3; Ps. 5:3; Ps. 55:17.

Our Lord Jesus Christ also commune with the Father alone. Mark 1:35

We can choose to praise Him alone and praise Him with brethren always. Ps. 34:1.

We should also pray, praise, worship with brethren also. Heb. 10:25

Whatever you do, whether in secular or spiritual, you need to locate those who are doing similar things and prayerfully network. Not just to copy them but, that  iron may sharpen iron, and to appreciate others and be strenghtened.  

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Nigeria

Word of Salvation Publication

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