Friends for Life

“Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.”  (Proverbs 18:24 MSG)

As a global worker I find it difficult when I make new friends and then they quickly move away because of whatever reason. I remember about 20 years ago, there was a new person at our church in Prague. I observed her from afar and thought, “She seems a kindred spirit”. The only concrete thing I knew about her was that she was with the American embassy. 

One afternoon I invited her and her kids to our house. While the littles were jumping on our trampoline, I asked her how long they would be in Prague. She said, “Two years”. My reply was kind of in jest, but mostly not, and I said, “Well, I like you and think we could be good friends, but we can’t really be friends if you’re here for such a short time”. 

I was tired of being hurt with losses as I lived in such a transient culture. 

This woman, however, did not relent and quite insisted that we be friends. She blessed my life and our families became close. We spent much time playing, praying, as well as growing, in our love for our dear Abba. 

After this family left, I felt the familiar hole in my heart as a piece of me went with them. But I also realized that if we had not shared life with our ups and downs with them, I would have missed out on a deep and rich friendship with so many blessings. 

We have not lost contact through the years, but also have not seen each other. We have prayed for each other’s families while apart, because that is what friends do. And just two weeks ago my friend wrote and said she would like to come visit me. I very much am looking forward to connecting in person again with this friend who has been a part of my journey for some time now. 

Because this friend pursued me so many years ago we have a bond and friendship that is not easily broken. And that bond is based on our love in Christ. I am grateful.

Debby Nichols

For Reflection

“I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father” (John 15:11-15 MSG)

• Have you ever resisted a friendship like I have? Why might that be?
  

• As you ponder your friendships, which ones encourage you in your relationship with God?
  

• Are there some toxic relationship that are not based on the love of God but on something else entirely? 
  

• What might God’s invitation be to you regarding your friendships?