By Rachel Olinski / Student Ministries Assistant
"Two are better than one, because
they have a good return for their labor: 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.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm
alone?" Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 (NIV)
Friendship is risky. To be known is
risking being hurt. But friendship can be beautiful, and worth the risk. There aren't many people who like to be vulnerable, transparent and exposed.
Friendship calls us to be authentic, to push past our fears and develop a sense
of closeness with one another.
Over the past few years God has given
me a heart for forming authentic friendships with godly women. Growing up I was
never one to have a lot of friends that were girls because they were catty,
gossipy and untrustworthy. I eventually learned not all women are like that and
began to carefully invest in friendships. Today I am blessed to have
friendships that I cherish with some amazing women. These women are fun,
gracious and most importantly love God. They inspire me in my faith walk and
help me through storms in my life. We keep each other accountable, and pray for
one another.
God gave us relationships; He knew
that we would need each other to get through life. We are not meant to live our
faith alone. The Bible gives us great examples of friendships. The friendship
between Jonathan and David was risky,
but in it there was loyalty to each other and God. Their friendship lasted a
life time; a lifetime that bore the fruit of the Lord.
Why not pray and ask God for your next
step in an authentic friendship? Maybe it’s mending one that has been severed,
or taking the leap of faith and reaching out to someone new. Ask Him for the
one who is worth the beautiful risk.
" ... a sweet friendship
refreshes the soul." Proverbs 27:9
If you have an "Engaging Story" you would like to share,
please send it to stories@easternhillschurch.org.