Things Change

 

        Today's blog is a personal viewpoint on change.  Change for its own sake is neither good nor bad. It depends on the direction the change takes you.  We live in a world of change and how we respond is a reflection of us personally.  I'm going to focus and reflect on a few areas of change that have affected me, my life and revealed some of God's plans.

        Living arrangements change:

        My parent's bought our current house when I was eleven.  If you had told me then that I would one day be living in the basement, I would've bet anything that you were wrong.  Back then, the basement was the workshop/storage area.  It was creepy dark with one pull string light and a dirt floor.  It stored the lawnmower, paint cans, tools and probably a snake or two.  Along the way, my parents had it refinished into a real room.  Then a few years before I moved back home, the basement became their game room.  Then in August 2001, the prediction that I would've never believed came true.  I didn't accept my new accomodations with open arms, but instead referred to it as 'the dungeon'.  I felt like Paul, in my own kind of prison.  This change was instead a place of spiritual growth. 

        People change: 

        Yes, people change and yet, they don't.  All of our bodies change due to time, stresses, and the nature of humanity.  The same person still resides deep down under that aging, changing skin.  What changes most about people, who change drastically unlike others, are the  unfair judgements placed on them by others.  As for myself, the same Angie is still living inside the Angie now, regardless if she walks, drives, wears a mask, or breathes like you.  One of my favorite quotes is about the wrongness of assumptions.  "When you assume, you make an ass out of 'u' and 'me' both."  Changes within my person has humbled me and taught me a lot about acceptance.

        Abilities change:

        Hopefully, you can see life as a learning process where we gain new abilities.  My favorite of all my learned abilities is driving.  My driving skills began with a go-cart making burnout donuts in the playground dirt, then to a 3-wheeler catching air in the sand dunes.  My first car was a Dodge Aries K car then a Honda Prelude. Between these two cars, I'm partly responsible for the now 30 mph speed limit on McCain Blvd.  I gave up driving vehicles in 2003 due to my noticeable change in my physical ability to control my van at the time.  My ability to drive well now is used with my scooter.  While my ability to drive hasn't been lost over time, it has just changed in its format.

       God doesn't change:

       "“I, the Lord, never change,” God declares in Malachi 3:6.  So that’s where we start. Change means a move in another direction. For God to change would mean that He either becomes better or worse, and God is ultimate perfection. He cannot change because He cannot be better than He already is; and He cannot fail or become less than perfect, so He cannot become worse than He is. God never changes, and nothing about Him changes: His character traits such as love, mercy, kindness, justice, and wisdom always exist in perfection. The methods He uses to deal with human beings have changed through the centuries, but the values and purposes behind those methods did not."  [intouch.org]

       

         God built in us the ability to change.  For that we can be thankful, because we can change from our sinful nature and become friends with God and his heirs.  Changes brought on by God are always good and benefit us.  Reflect on the changes in your own life.

God Reigns

 

          Today's blog is about how God reigns over all things.  He reigns over our lives, but what does that include?  Let's narrow it down to three things [for the writer's sake], to include our circumstances, our needs, and our protection. Our circumstances may not be exactly what we want, but God puts us where we need to be.  His purposes will prevail and our situations have purpose in them. Our needs are under His control too.  We may not enjoy the waiting part, but He will provide in His timing.  The prayerful struggle may seem to go unheard, but He sees, hears, and knows what is best to meet our needs.  Our protection is overseen by Him, more than we will ever know.  We may struggle to understand why some things don't work out, but often it falls under the category of His hedge of protection.

       "If you could change your circumstances, would you? Most of us would respond in the affirmative. Even if we’re experiencing relatively peaceful and comfortable conditions, we can always imagine a better life. And for those of us enduring difficult, painful, or trying situations, we long to see the burden lifted.  In reality, there are some circumstances over which we have no control. We can’t maneuver our way out, so our only option is to go through them. However, if we are redeemed children of God, we are exactly where He wants us, because His sovereignty rules over all our situations at all times."  {intouch.org]

         One biblical example of God's sovereignty over one's life is that of Paul.  He was imprisoned, chained, and watched by the Roman guard.  Yet despite his undesirable circumstances in life, it turned out to be the means God used to deliver the gospel to the entire Roman guard.   Paul’s imprisonment also prompted other believers to boldly proclaim Christ.  

        "The same sovereign God who used Paul’s circumstances for His purposes can do so with yours. But like the apostle, you’ll have to trust that the Lord will comfort and strengthen you to endure, and yes, even to rejoice."  [intouch.org]

       Paul learned to be satisfied because God supplied all his needs. Paul understood that spiritual, physical, and material needs are wrapped up in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Our needs are met through Him.  Jesus is also our protector.  Despite the trials that we face and the ways they turn our world upside down, Jesus ensures us by not letting us encounter anything outside of His will.  "Christ has not abandoned us in our storms but instead is intimately involved, using them for our ultimate benefit. Knowing this, we can respond with trust, dependence, and worship." [intouch.org]

       As for myself, yes!  I would change my circumstances, if I could.  Thankfully God knows that and my heart and took that realm of possibility out of my control.  Instead, God chose both me and my parents to suffer for His glory.  Of course, there has been lots of waiting and prayer for specific needs along the way.  Recently, life has been a rollercoaster of emotions.  As we wait for the right caregiver replacement, we need the right perspective.  For all the ones we thought might be the right person thru our limited viewpoint, God's hedge of protection has shown otherwise.  I'm so thankful God is in control of ALL things in my life. 

Humble Yourself

 

       What does humility mean to you?  The worldly definition is all about putting the needs of another person before your own, and thinking of others before yourself.  It is a rare quality to find in this world anymore because pride is rampant these days.  There are so many people concerned with their rights, rather than what is right.  So how would Jesus define humility?  Maybe something like, learning to decrease one's self so that Christ may increase in one's life.  One of my favorite quotes is 'Humility is not thinking less of ourselves, but it is thinking of yourself less."  C. S. Lewis

       "True humility isn’t seeing ourselves as worthless but seeing the Lord as worthy of service no matter what assignment He gives us.  No life lived in obedience to God is ever worthless or unimportant. When we stand before Him in heaven, our rewards will not be determined by how impressive our work was by human standards, but by how obedient we were to complete whatever He called us to do.  True humility exalts Jesus Christ, not self. "  [intouch.org]

        A humble life is Spirit led.  "Humility in the life of the believer is the mark of greatness—not because you shine when you are humbled, but because when you submit to God's will, He shines through you.  We are not the light but the lanterns that point others to the Lord. Only as we decrease will those around us be able to see the Savior, who can give them eternal life."  [intouch.org]

       I needed this next bit of advice back in 2001.  "Perhaps you are faced with a difficult situation but don't understand why God has chosen that avenue for you. Allow Him to use this time in your life to teach you how to be humble. Peter did just this. And he discovered that once humility accomplishes its perfect work, God will exalt us at the proper time . Blessing follows the obedience of a humbled heart." [intouch.org]  In hindsight, I see the beauty of His work in my life, but it took a lot of cooperation on my part to be willing and obedient to His plan for me.  Blessings have truly followed me all the days since.  It doesn't mean freedom from hardship, but that He is with me through it all.  The promise for true freedom is for the eternal future, not my present state.

       "Will humble living be worth it?  God accomplished His purposes through Jesus’ obedience. Similarly, living humbly—letting go of our sense of entitlement to embrace our humanity—puts us in the path of God’s work. If we have ears to hear the call to a humble life, to relinquish our own designs and embrace the kind of life our Savior modeled, we will find that He works in us “both to will and to work for His good pleasure”  In the Master’s hands, our humility will become a tool for making us holy." [intouch.org]

       Following Christ’s example of self-emptying sacrifice is more than ideal behavior—it’s the path to becoming our true selves.   A spirit of humility...says I'm not perfect, I make mistakes and am open to criticism.  It doesn't use authority as a means of superiority.  Some think humility will show weakness and then they can't show genuine love, because they're trying to defend a falsehood of an impeccable image.  

         As for myself, humiliating circumstances have been God’s best path to developing humility in me—it’s something I remember with every challenge.   It has not been easy to put my dreams, desires and abilities on hold till God grants me a new, fully restored body.  Isn't it an ironic blessing that He still enables me to do His work through this blog?  "We have to recognize that our relinquishment has more to do with our own kingdoms than with God’s."  I have let go of much more than physical belongings, but of feelings of resentment and loss.  I hope others will someday find that humility within themselves.  

         I like to think of humility in terms of riding as a passenger in a vehicle.  You have relinquished your right to control, but are still vulnerable to any joy or consequences.  You can respect the driver's plans and ways or create chaos and destruction.  You can have peace or fear during the journey.  You are either part of the plan or part of the problem.  You rid yourself of what is unnecessary, harmful and not enough room for during the journey.  Respect the driver, the rules of the road and you'll be okay.

How To Find Humility Within Ourselves:

1] Have a servant's heart and mind.

2] Trust in God's sovereignty.

3] Don't be wise in your own eyes.

4] Rejoice with others goodness.

5] Have a teachable spirit.

6] Encourage others.

7] Be in awe of grace given to you and forgive others.

What Humility Has Made Me Consider Personally:

1] Consider God's will for me.

2] How He has provided for me... in my care, finances, joy

3] This is temporary, not eternal

4] My focus is to be on Him, not my circumstances

5] He knows what's best for me, it's my choice in obedience to follow

6] Use my energy and time to share my testimony with others

7] It is all for His glory!

Overcoming Adversity

 

      Adversity is a condition marked by misfortune, calamity, or distress.  Adversity is part of this sinful world and no one can escape it, in whatever form it strikes you.  No one wants to experience hard times, but God promises that they will come.  Psalm 34:19  "The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all."   When faced with a stressful situation in life, it can be difficult in the moment to imagine the experience will eventually lead to some type of growth. Resilience is a person’s ability to bounce back from adversity and grow from the challenge.  "Adversity does not come as a thief to steal our happiness, but as a friend bringing the gift of staying power. Through it all, God promises us His wisdom and strength."  [odb.org]

     "Some people crumble under the pressure of adversity. They become so bitter and resentful toward the Lord that they walk away from His calling on their lives. They might even resort to addictive behaviors to try to escape the pain."  [intouch.org]   The verse that opposes such thinking is Psalm 103:19 which says, “The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.”   We need to remember that whatever grieves us is known by God and under His control.  He will make a way.

      Other people respond to adversity in a totally different way by looking past themselves and develop a deeper relationship with God.  " Instead of weakening them, difficulties make them stronger because these believers learn to depend more fully on the power of the Holy Spirit." [intouch.org]   Believers in this category cling to the verse of Romans 8:28, which says, “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

       "Adversity is not simply a tool. It is God's most effective tool for the advancement of our spiritual lives. The circumstances and events that we see as setbacks are oftentimes the very things that launch us into periods of intense spiritual growth. Once we begin to understand this, and accept it as a spiritual fact of life, adversity becomes easier to bear."   [Charles Stanley]

       J. B. Phillips’ translation of James 1:2-3 reads: “When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives, my brothers, don’t resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends! Realize that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance.”

      As for myself, adversity has been a signature part of my life.  I can't remember a time in my life that was just 'easy' for me.  I've been blessed throughout my life and now that I'm older, I recognize the blessing of physical hardship.  Since I was 5 years old, I've worn braces.  Therefore, I've never worn heels in my life.  Does that make me less vain?  Probably not, because the Lord knows I have enough tennis shoes.  I've had surgeries as a child, that I believe make me more empathetic towards other's pain.  I understand how limiting this life is through my physical limitations and the power of God to overcome them, as well.  I have learned from being dependent on others that my way isn't the only way, timing isn't as crucial as I think, being patient is a learned gift that is very important, and expressions are seen as much as  words are heard.  My relationship with God has grown so much because when the world walks out, He is still there as always.  I've always said, "I'm not defined by my disease or disability."  The Holy Spirit is the source of my confidence, not in myself, but of God to see me thru all things.  This is how I've dealt with adversity.

Some quotes about adversity to encourage you:

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

Martin Luther King, Jr.

"And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about."

Haruki Murakami

"You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it."

Maya Angelou

"It is your reaction to adversity, not the adversity itself, that determines how your life’s story will develop."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen."

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

The Battle of Discouragement

 

Psalm 42:1-8

As the deer pants for streams of water,
    so my soul pants for you, my God.
 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
    When can I go and meet with God?
 My tears have been my food
    day and night,
while people say to me all day long,
    “Where is your God?”
 These things I remember
    as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go to the house of God
    under the protection of the Mighty One[d]
with shouts of joy and praise
    among the festive throng.

 Why, my soul, are you downcast?
    Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
    for I will yet praise him,
    my Savior and my God.

 My soul is downcast within me;
    therefore I will remember you
from the land of the Jordan,
    the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.
 Deep calls to deep
    in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
    have swept over me.

 By day the Lord directs his love,
    at night his song is with me—
    a prayer to the God of my life.

         

          Oh if you know me personally, then you know that I have been discouraged in 2020.  Actually, I don't know of anyone who hasn't been discouraged in some way this year.  Discouragement can come from anywhere, but it may be from your health, your job, your friends, the election, the media, the way you're treated, COVID-19, or just the current circumstance that life has you in.  In our times of discouragement, let us remember that God loves us and desires to lead us to a place of a renewed vision of Himself!

       "Disappointments will come and go, but discouragement is a response, and we can respond in other ways.  If we understand that God allows disappointments, we can find meaning in trouble.  Confess...'The Father is with me in the pain; He’s in control of my life and has allowed this for a reason; He is a good God, who will not let this disappointment be in vain.'  Discouragement may sound harmless enough, but don’t underestimate its power. By keeping watch, you can avoid its deadly trap" [intouch.org]

       “Keep Calm and Carry On.” This message first appeared in Great Britain as World War II began in 1939. British officials printed it on posters designed to offset panic and discouragement during the war.  I have a t-shirt that my friend, Karla, made for me that says, "Keep Calm and Blog On".  She knows that I blog about what's on my heart and I find encouragement through it.

        As for myself, the battle of discouragement used to be an easy one for me but now it is not.  I've probably relied to much on myself in the past but now I see that reliance on the Lord is my only hope and path.  I have been in the hallway of waiting so much lately for a new aide and for other things I won't reveal here.  I know God is faithful.  I, also, know that I am impatient.  I will use this blog personally to encourage myself and try to be as patient, as possible.  God has conquered my doubts 100% of the times before, so I will trust Him again and again and continue to pray.

       6 Ways to battle discouragement are:  to count your blessings, consider what you take for granted, practice whatever encourages you, give of yourself to others, remind yourself that others are praying for what you have, and read encouraging Scripture.

Understand that discouragement...[intouch.org]

Is something we choose. While it’s a natural response to difficult circumstances, we have the power to choose a different response. No one else is responsible for our discouragement.

Is universal. At times, everybody will face periods of disappointment and discouragement because we live in a flawed world filled with flawed people.

Can recur. Sometimes we think we’ve settled an issue, which later resurfaces when we least expect it. Or we may have old emotional wounds triggered by something a person says or does.

Can be temporary or lifelong. Refusing to face discouragement head-on can open the door for it to influence our decisions, actions, and relationships as long as we live.

Is conquerable. With the Father’s help, we can get through seasons of discouragement. He wants His children to have a rich and fulfilled life. If we trust in His promises and His character, our feelings of discouragement will slowly be replaced by hope.

Even if you still feel discouraged, remember above all else, God is in control.

       

Truths During Difficult Times

 

Truth #1: He Never Wants to Withhold What is Good for You

” For I know the plans I have for you ” declares the Lord, ” plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future “.— Jeremiah 29:11

          As for myself, it's easy to question why God puts me in certain, uncomfortable situations.  The waiting is the hardest part, but I have to remind myself that God has always been faithful to me, 100% of the times that I've questioned Him.  God is good all of the time and all of the time God is good.  Pray in the hallways, until God opens that door of goodness.

Truth #2: He Will Never Leave You to Fight a Battle Alone“

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

— Exodus 14:14

          As for myself, I can often try to figure out ways to try to help my situation.  I am a 'female fixer', but I need to be more of a 'prayer warrior' for my life's circumstances.  God's protection is evident and I am not involved at all.  I recently hired someone as an aide, but had been warned by a friend not to hire her.  I soon found out they had been fired from my agency a few years before and were ineligible for rehire.  Therefore, I am back in the waiting room of life and trying to be patient for God's timing.

Truth #3: He Will Provide You with the Necessary Tools and Skills to Overcome Challenges

“He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.”

— Isaiah 40:29

           As for myself, to say I am weak is an understatement.  I don't have the strength to hold a styrofoam cup, so every ounce of strength to do anything comes from God alone.  This truth about providing tools is evident in my ability to type this blog.  A few years ago, my arm quit working and my ability to communicate with friends was at stake.  God provided a software program and camera that allows me to type without a physical, touchable keyboard.  The program is a vital tool to my life, happiness, and ability to serve others and my church.

Truth #4: God is Our Source of Strength

“but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.”

— Isaiah 40:31

          As for myself, strength is more than physical.  It is spiritual, mental and emotional strength.  It all comes from God, because my hope is in Him alone.  This world is full of disappointment, failures, and strife so we need the renewing strength of God to lift us up time and time again.  I want to live life on God's terms, which enables me to soar and not grow weary or faint.  

Truth #5: He Will Never Give You an ‘Impossible’ Challenge Because He Will Help You Overcome Anything

When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.

— Isaiah 43:2

           As for myself, I have encountered many challenges that I've considered 'impossible'.  Many of those included surgery recoveries, but my hardest challenge was my recovery from my fall.  I felt like I was drowning in the waters, swept away by the rivers, and uncomfortably hot by the fires of it...but God alone kept me safe through it all.  He is faithful to keep His child from being overcome by too much.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” — 1 Corinthians 10:13

Friendships: What They Mean To Us..Part 5

 

               Today's blog is the final one in my series on friendships.  Have you experienced conflict in a friendship that produced good fruit from it?  Conflict can be tense, unsettling, a test of pride but it can also be a good thing for the both of you.  When conflict arises, it can be a great time of reflection...what did I say exactly, was my response prideful, what does Scripture say about the issue, and are my actions respectful and not hurtful?  Communication from both parties is key to a resolution, but if that's not happening, take the initative to open up the conversation without being pushy or demanding.  Sometimes we all need space and time to think things through, be patient.  Talking it out makes us vulnerable and brings out insecurities in us.  Most conflict is unintentional, but if you point it out then they will know how you feel and harboring bitterness can be avoided.

              For myself, I try to let new relationships know, "If something I do or say bothers you in some kind of way, let me know.  I can't fix or stop something, if I don't know it's a problem.  And I hope, I can feel free to do the same with you."  

             I also want to talk today about 'availability' in friendships.  I believe this is one of the most important aspects of true, godly friendships.  We live in a world where communication is easier than it has ever been.  We can talk in person, by phone, by email, by messenger and we can choose what hour of the day is best for us.  We all have busy, hectic lives, but we also all have a need to talk to someone.  A friend is the best answer to that need.  We must be intentional with our time for friends.  For example, if a friend reaches out just before you're about to go to bed, can you spare a few minutes and delay bedtime for them?  That moment may be their only time to open up, share vulnerable thoughts, and be willing to listen to something other than their own thoughts.  Being available means putting others before yourself and isn't that what God calls us to do.

               "It just feels good to know you belong somewhere."  Friendship is an encouraging  bond that is a blessing and gift from God.  Ecclesiastes 4:12  "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."  Ecclesiastes 4:10  "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."   Friendships have purpose and they are meant to help us finish this race we're on called life.  Go out today and make a new friend.

Friendships: What They Mean To Us..Part 4

 

            Today, we continue on with our discussion about friendships.  Our friendships are worth fighting for, we don't give up easily, and we stay through many different trials with each other.  But, sometimes there are unhealthy friendships that require us to put up boundaries or to distance ourselves. 

 ""Friends are like stars,they come and go, but the ones that stay are the ones that glow" -- Unknown

"You're the average of the five people you spend the most time with." -- Jim Rohn

Here are 23 signs to help you identify toxic friends by Ann Davis

1. They convey criticism --They're like snipers you don't know when they might strike, and their advice is a kick-to-the-stomach that makes you feel small and embarrassed.

2. They're smart.--They skillfully determine which direction you move and how fast you go. If you try resisting, they fill you up with guilt until you cave in.

3. They're covetous--They feel bitter when you acquire things they don't have instead of being happy for you.

4. They discredit you--They hold you in low esteem and spread lies about you. 

5. They lack empathy--They don't feel your pain.

6. They're untrustworthy--They disclose secrets confined to them which destroys the trust you put in them.

7. They're freeloaders--They take advantage of your generosity and give nothing in return. 

8. They're gossipy-- Their gossip is like a whirlwind, and it destroys your reputation in a short period.

9. They're unhappy--Always dissatisfied, complaining, discontent and misery are their companions.

10.They're self-centered-- They only care about themselves and don't consider you. 

11. Their life is a living drama--They live in "one life" and "another world" dragging you into their exaggerated lifestyles. 

12. They bully--They use your emotions to attack you. 

13. They're blabby--They talk too much.  When you do, they talk about you until you shut up.

14. They're judgmental--They pass harsh and critical judgment based on their own ideas.

15. They're liars--They habitually lie with every intention to deceive you. 

16. They're bigheaded--They are too stuck up to deal with and for the most part, they just talk about themselves.

17. They're stubborn--It's their way or no way. 

18. They're fussy--They're picky and needy, annoying and hard to please. 

19. They're resentful--They never give up their ruthless nature.

20. They're harsh--They get involved in fights over petty arguments. 

21. They're inconsistent--Their commitment to the friendship is hard to predict. 

22. They're pessimistic--They always believe the evil outweighs the good. 

23. They're cheap--They lack generosity and are concerned with just themselves.

"If you’re in a toxic relationship, it’s up to you to change it! Casting blame on the other person may be convenient, but it is generally unproductive. If you’ve been treated poorly by someone, chances are you’ve allowed it. So start by acknowledging your part, and focus on what you can do to change yourself.

The best way to know the difference between a toxic friendship and a healthy one is to hang out with people who aren’t toxic! Once you’ve made a connection with someone you enjoy being with, who doesn’t use or abuse you or your time, pay attention to what’s different about this relationship so that you can focus on finding those qualities in others—and being a true friend yourself."  [lifehopeandtruth.com]

"This perfect level of friendship may seem like an impossibility to achieve with any of your friends, and in fact, you’re right! None of us is perfect, so we all eventually disappoint or frustrate others. Having a great friendship isn’t about expecting perfection.

However, there is one friend we can have who is perfect in every way, and He wants to be your best friend if you’ll let Him.

In John 15:13-15 Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends, if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.”

Jesus Christ died so that we might live, and His life is a testimony for us of what the truest of friends is like. We should all get to know Him better." [lifehopeandtruth.com]

Friendships: What They Mean To Us..Part 3

 

       Today, we continue on in our series about friendships.  Friendships are worth it, despite the struggle to find them, to discern out which ones are healthy for us, and to maintain them over time and changes in our lives.  We need friends, outside of our immediate family bubble.  We need others to relate with, to support with, cry with, share joy with, and pray with.  The ability to be vulnerable with someone else is a true blessing of godly friendships.  

       When we are looking for a guide to finding a true friend, a good place to start is the fruit of the Spirit.  Galatians 5: 22-23  " But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."   We should use the fruits of the Spirit to not only gauge ourselves as a friend to others, but also as a gauge of others as a friend to us.  Are we pointing each other towards Christ within our friendship?  Our friendships are about having fun while doing things together, but it should also involve hard truths that help us become more like the character of God.  

"My best friend is the man who in wishing me well, wishes it for my sake."  [Aristotle]

"Blessed are they who have the gift of making friends, for it is one of God's best gifts.  It involves many things, but above all, the power of going out of one's self, and appreciating whatever is noble and loving in another."  [Thomas Hughes]

"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘You too? I thought I was the only one." [C.S Lewis]

"Friends are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer." [Ed Cunningham]

        As for myself, I am blessed to call many people 'my friend'.  I do have a small circle of friends that are like my 'sisters and brothers', not just my sisters or brothers in Christ.  My friendships are diversified in many different ways by age, ethnicity, religions, gender, distance apart, personalities, and temperments.  I love to be around friends that are stronger in an area of the fruits of the Spirit than I am, especially patience.  When I am around them and witness a patient, self-controlled moment, I am not only in awe but I am convicted.  I know that I wouldn't have handled the situation with such grace and I have something to think about later and learn from it.  These moments are blessings from God and are part of my sanctification.

May God bless you with friendships that give you joy, truth, and convictions that draw you towards Him each day.