Friendship

A man of many companions may come to ruin,but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs18:24ESV

Social media has brought us to think that a friend is someone that is a shallow person we might just like, and if we don’t like them, we can unfriend, unfollow, or even block them from our lives. How low we have dropped in our perception of one of the greatest relationships God has made for us, second only to God Himself, and family.

I have been reminded recently of how God is at work in all aspects of our lives, from our youth right through to our more senior years. This became clearer to me as I recognised one of the important friendships I am blessed to enjoy now, which was rekindled after not being in touch for many years. It is as though that long gap didn’t happen. Circumstances of life change many things, and a loss of a friendship can be significant, but when God is in control, He has already gone before us and laid out the path which is best. That is true for all things, people, and time! We serve an amazing all knowing God who establishes our steps! Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, puts it best in these verses.

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. Proverbs16:9NIV

Trust God, but Work!

David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished. 1 Chronicles 28:20

Evangelical Christians believe in the power of faith to move mountains, and to do the things thought humanly impossible, so we sometimes take a back seat, and leave it all to God. After all, He is the one with all the strength to get the job done. But take a look at the verse again.

When David was talking openly and honestly to his son Solomon, God through David reminded him that it was still Solomon’s job to be strong and do the physical work, but it is God’s job not to fail him or forsake him, until ALL the work….is finished!!

What a combination. Our human efforts, coupled with God’s Blessing to see the work finished. We may not be required to build a massive temple, but what about that Sunday School Class, or Youth Group, or using your musical talent, or that gift you have of encouragement within the fellowship of your church? If we do our part, according to the Word, God will see it through to completion. What a promise!