“So are you two sisters?”
My friend and I looked at each other from across the tiny exam room and smiled big as her oncologist waited for our answer.
You could say that. Definitely sisters. Sisters in Christ for the long haul…
We first met as new mamas in the back right hand corner of the church sanctuary and immediately connected over sleepless nights, the sweetest newborn smells, and our love for Jesus. Dozens of Bible studies, a bunch more babies, a whole lot of life, and ten years later we walked through her first cancer diagnosis together. Six years after that, we sat knee to knee in that tiny exam room and heard the words we prayed we’d never hear again – that her cancer had returned.
Trials, though brutal in many ways, have granted a unique beauty and depth to our friendship and to our relationships with Christ that wouldn’t otherwise exist. We pray for each other more fervently. We voice gratitude more regularly. We cling to God’s Word more desperately. We love more unselfishly. We worship more extravagantly. And we’re moved to speak the name of Jesus more boldly.
Life is full of joys and trials, but praise God He has not left us to journey on our own. Not only has He given us His all sufficient grace and power, but He’s graciously given us people around us so that together we can remain Jesus-focused, gospel-centered, and Great Commission-minded as we journey together through life’s hills and valleys.
We’re challenged to increase our faith when we learn from mentors like Paul – those farther along in their spiritual journeys – who not only guide us to Truth with their words, but also boldly and consistently live out what they teach. We need encouragers like Barnabas – spiritual peers with whom we walk through life – for mutual support, fellowship, and spurring on as we serve the Lord together. And we should be on the lookout for the Timothys in our lives – the eager students of the next generation – with willing hearts to pour back into these younger friends in the faith.
Have you given much thought to your company lately?
Scripture models beautiful “seasonal” life relationships like those between Paul, Timothy, and Barnabas that should motivate us to pursue intentional relationships with those in the body of Christ. Can you imagine the beauty and depth we could experience with one another and in our relationships with Christ if every single believer found community in the body in this way? Can you imagine the reach and impact we could have for Christ if we selflessly sought out the interest of others, especially through life’s trials?
If you’re already investing in these relationships, thank God for them today (and then pick up your phone and let these people know just how much they mean to you!).
Maybe you haven’t yet fully experienced the kinds of intentional relationships described above. With a willing heart, ask the Lord to provide as you humbly seek out someone to encourage today.
At His feet,
___________________________
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What a huge blessing to have a friend like that. Proverbs 18:24 says
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
You are so right, Chris! May God bless each of us with our own Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy!
Somehow I have stopped getting the blog posts in my e-mail this week…..
I have stopped getting the emails as well. I do appreciate the post that you posted Whitney. I have 2 friends that are like sisters to me. We’ve also been through the good and the bad.
Thank you for letting us know about the emails, Cheryl and Tammy. I have let the leadership team know about the problem.
My friendships with sisters in Christ are limited in my town! Everyone seems to be busy… I went back to my old Church Several months ago and I am starting all over! New friends, new life group and new classes. It has been a true transition… however, my friends from Love God Greatly have prayed for me, taught me some lessons and have encouraged me along the way so I’m forever grateful for LGG sisters in Christ and fellowship. Praising God this morning.
Praising God With you, Adriana! Sometimes a little shake up to our routine is how God will bring the greatest things (and people) into our lives! So glad you are finding good fellowship through LGG! We are blessed to have you with us!
We recently moved to a new state and its been my prayer to find the three different relations. Mentor,spiritual peers and mentees. Trusting God to know each other after the Spirit. Praying for openness and the courage to put myself out there so that I may experience the joys of genuine friendship
Lord, I thank You for Your guiding hand in Anne’s life… That You would lead the right people into her path so that she may foster strong, long lasting friendships in her new home. Give her the courage needed to spend up to new relationships and the wisdom to discern the good ones from the bad ones. Thank You, Lord, for going before her. In Jesus’s name, amen.
Good morning , thank you so much. I am also looking for friends In Christ . I look forward to your blogs . I as well also have stopped receiving them in my email .
I haven’t received a LGG email since last Monday, Oct. 30. Do I need to re -subscribe?
I have been struggling for godly friendships for 13 yrs in this new town we live in. The Lord led me to open a business, we were going to one church, business was doing great. Building friendships there. My husband felt led to this other church, It took several years for the men to befriend him, I started out great with the ladies. Then things switched after this women came in. People told me they didn’t go to this church because it was clickish. Today I see what they mean. Help me pray that I will find a church meat by and find Godly friendships. To encourage, support, pray with, and to build each other up. Feeling lonely and dry. Patricia