Friends
Many times in my life I have had many friends who have been my party friends or my friends of convenience (work, school, etc). There are a few friends who have lasted through the years – those who have stayed with me through thick and thin. I am so thankful today for my friends who are my sisters and brothers in Christ. They are my rock when I am in those rocky places. They are the ones who have comforted me in my dark times. They are the ones who celebrate with me when victory is at hand. But they are special to me when we can sit down together and be real with one another. Those friends are rare and are greatly treasured.
Jesus had his inner circle of friends who he allowed to see Him as the Holy One. Peter, James and John were allowed to see His transformation when Moses and Elijah came for a visit. They were allowed into a moment of great distress when Jesus was praying for a new way of salvation and not the way of the cross. They were allowed to see Jesus completely. King David had Jonathon, King Saul’s heir to the throne. There are times when you need an inner circle of friends who will carry you when you just don’t have the strength to move forward. They are the ones who will be there through every trial and will experience the victories with you.
I am blessed to have friends these days where our time is spent on praising God rather than complaining about circumstances. I can share what God is doing, and they can do the same. I can share about my struggles and know that I will be prayed for. I know when I bring something to their attention; they will be there with me in my struggle. God has been good to bring me people in my circle of influence that encourages me and helps me to walk out this life with accountability.
I know we are not meant to walk alone through this life. God places us in a community that will encourage us and help us in our daily life. For far too long I tried to do things on my own. I thought I could handle my struggles in secret. God has shown me otherwise. He illustrates the point of community as a body with each member being important to function as a whole. He says when two or more are gathered in His name, He will be in our midst. I love the fact that I am never alone in my struggles anymore. God alone is able to make us whole and new. But He puts friends around us to help in the process. God’s ways are perfect, and I rejoice today because of the friends I have been given!
For all of my friends, I appreciate every prayer lifted up before the throne on my behalf. I appreciate every word spoken that encourages me. I appreciate the opportunity to walk with you in your struggles as well. I appreciate we are not made to be alone. I hope that I will be able to live my life with my dear friends until the very end – and then show up in heaven rejoicing even more! It’s going to be a glorious homecoming one day!
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
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