The sequoia trees of California tower as much as 300 feet above the ground. Strangely, these giants have unusually shallow root systems that reach out in all directions to capture the greatest amount of surface moisture.

Their intertwining roots also provide support for each other against the storms. That's why they usually grow in clusters. Seldom will you see a redwood standing alone, because high winds would quickly uproot it.

Support is what Jesus wanted from Peter, James, and John in Gethsemane as He faced Calvary (Mt. 26:37-38). On the cross as the world's sin-bearer, He would experience His Father's wrath and abandonment. That was the awful cup He prayed would be taken from Him (v.39). In that dark hour, He looked to His disciples for prayerful alertness and compassion. But oh, how they disappointed Him! The sight of His sleeping disciples must have made the isolation of Gethsemane that much more painful (v.45).

If Jesus looked to human support in His crisis hour, how much more do Christians need one another when they suffer! Let's be willing to ask someone to pray for us and with us. And let's be alert for opportunities to lend our support to others who are suffering.  — Dennis J. De Haan