The Power of a Faithful Friend
Does anyone care? I’ve asked myself this question more times than I’d like to admit.
Not long ago, I had a full-blown pity-party kind of day. Ever have one of those? When life just seems harder than it should be? And you’re thinking, Shouldn’t everyone know I’m having a hard day? Yet, no texts, no calls. Nothing. Just crickets.
Let me be clear. I have a sweet and loving husband. He listens patiently as I all too often vent to him about everything. He offers wisdom and fixes what he can, but on this particular day, I longed for something different. Something my husband could not provide. I needed a really close girlfriend, one who understands the unique emotions we, as
women, experience.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 reminds us that two are better than one. Notice Solomon didn’t say 25 is better than one. He said two. Maintaining 25 close friendships is unsustainable.
True friendship requires time and effort–two commodities which our fast-paced, tech-driven, instant-gratification world makes hard to find.
True friendship also requires intentionality. Mark chapter 3 describes how large crowds followed Jesus. He deeply loved them all and taught great multitudes during his earthly ministry. Yet, He intentionally chose only twelve disciples to pour into and do life with for three years. And out of the twelve, He selected only three to be a part of His innermost circle: Peter, James, and John.
These three men witnessed some of Jesus’ most holy and intimate moments: the Transfiguration in Matthew 17:1-8, the raising of Jairus’ daughter in Mark 5:35-42, and His anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane in Mark 14:32-33.
The intimate moments of life don’t call for crowds; they whisper for close companions. Our family has walked through difficult seasons over the years, and our church has rallied around us each time. I know I can text almost any woman from church to ask for prayer, and she will stop what she’s doing and lift me up. I do not take that lightly and am so grateful.
But even with a strong community, God has still wired us for deep, personal connection.
The friendship between David and Jonathan is a powerful example. Despite King Saul’s (Jonathan’s father) intent to kill David, Jonathan repeatedly protects and warns his friend. In 1 Samuel 20, when they are forced to part ways, they embrace and weep together.
That is the power of a faithful friend.
Don’t we all long for a Jonathan?
Whose hand will you reach for to become the kind of friend you long to have?
And what if someone is praying for a friend like you right now?
