We all go through seasons of change. That's just life. God brings us through struggles for a reason. Some we see right away and some we may never understand. What I've really understood though is that through those times of tragedy, despair or dramatic change of any kind, we always find out who our true friends are. Through the thick of it all when we can't see clearly and we feel lost, the ones that are supposed to be there will be there. Some may be newer friends, some old. The nice thing is when you have those friends that you don't talk to often, but they are always there when you need them. I feel like I'm writing about those "friends quotes" you find on Pinterest, but there is some definite truth to them. Haha!
I feel so blessed to have some great Christian friends that will give me clarity even when I don't have it myself. To help me see through the fog and remind me that God is always there, even when I feel alone.
Picking up my Bible this morning, I came across a story of Moses (Exodus 17:12). He was fighting so hard to defend the Israelites against the Amalekites. As long as he kept his staff of God raised up in the air, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands in fatigue, they would then be defeated. His hands grew tired and weak. So, his friends helped him by putting a stone under him to sit on and then held up his hands for him, so that they remained steady until sunset. ...Could you imagine seeing that?! The reason for their victory was because of the encouragement he had from those around him.
In the same way, we need our friends to hold us up, to encourage us and guide us in in the right direction. It is easy to stray away in the wrong direction when we are troubled. We act out of anger and sadness. We try to "deal" with it alone. We don't see the damage we are doing till it is too late sometimes. Friends are placed in our lives to keep us hopeful and find strength to move forward in this life that God has chosen for us.
In the same way, we can be just what someone else needs as well. Be a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, without judgment. Have an open heart and be the friend to others you need in your life as well. Show kindness to strangers as well, because you never know what other people's struggles are and we all need to give & receive love in our lives. <3
