Re:Verse reading— 1 Samuel 20:1-17, 30-42 (day six)
The Gospel is not idle in our life; it shouldn’t be. Its affect is not a one time happening; by the power of the Spirit of God in the believer’s life, it is ongoing, always transforming, bearing fruit in an otherwise desert of a life. We know that to be true, but isn’t always our experience, is it? We wonder, “Why do I struggle so with the same thing over and over?” Or, “Why am I not more faithful to seek God each day?”
What if in God’s economy of sanctification he has chosen the pathway of true Gospel friendship? What if our transformation, or overcoming, requires the attention of a someone who is knit to our soul (like Jonathan to David)? Even more, what if your friend’s sanctification requires a gutsy friendship you are called to provide?
Sometimes we lament that we don’t have a Jonathan in our life, when the whole time God is expecting us not to wait, but take the initiative to be a Jonathan to someone in need.
I could not agree more, “take the initiative to be a Jonathan to someone in need.” Search for a friend like Jonathan instead of waiting for God. Take the initiative to find one and be a Jonathan to someone. Not every friendship results in true friendship but the goal is to develop one like Jonathan and David’s if we follow Jesus.
“The strong bond of friendship is not always a balanced equation; friendship is not always about giving and taking in equal shares. Instead, friendship is grounded in a feeling that you know exactly who will be there for you when you need something, no matter what or when.”~~Simon Sinek
I have been blessed with several Jonathans and I have served as Jonathan to others. It is truly rewarding when we can serve others and can form true friendship. True friendship takes time to grow and will stand the tests of times.
I was reminded of this quote, “Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.”~~ Eleanor Roosevelt
I am deeply touched by true friendship of those who have come and stayed with me in bad and good times. In addition, each of us is accountable to God. True friendship lasts and is personally very rewarding!