Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that had come upon him, they came each from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They made an appointment together to come to show him sympathy and comfort him (Job 2:11 ESV).
True friends are usually hard to come by. At least, that has usually been the case for me. I grew up having a different “best friend” every couple of months. I have also never felt badly about it because I can easily make a new friend. Despite that fact, I have been blessed to have found several sets of true friends in my life. When I was in college, I had my first suicide attempt. I had planned on running a red light in front of a semi the next chance I got because it would at least seem like an accident. I never got a chance to be the first person at a red light my entire trip back to campus. I told a few friends when I got back to campus of what I had tried to do. I was not left alone for the rest of the night. I was dragged to go eat out and made to laugh until my belly hurt. One even stayed the night with me to be sure I was okay. They made sure I knew that I was not alone.
I met two very dear friends while living in Dallas a year. After I left, I didn’t feel as close to them as we once were. I should have never doubted. The day my father passed, I made one phone call to them and they were at my side within a couple of days. I had friends in town that didn’t make an effort to look in after me but here were these ladies that I had not spoken to in a couple months. They came and did as much as they could to comfort, entertain, and distract me. I am forever grateful for their willingness to drop everything and be there.
I truly believe God puts people in our lives so that we are never alone in our suffering. Even to this day with my ever-changing seasons and relationships with people, I constantly find myself having a new person placed in my life to provide counsel and comfort. This year has also been tough for me teaching through a pandemic and teaching multiple grade levels. However, in each placement I have found a new friend to help me emotionally, spiritually, and especially in the classroom.
Lord, help me to always have you as one of my best friends. Give me the wisdom, discernment, and guidance I need to navigate relationships. Show me how to be a good friend. And please show me who my true friends are. Amen
Previous Comments:
Great post and may God continue to put the right people in your path. Keep telling your testimonies. -Shai February 26, 2021
Glory to Jesus! God gives us friends during times of storms for comfort. I think this was beautiful at displaying the importance of having good company around. Proverbs 27:9 says “The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.” The Bible speaks highly of makings sure we have good friends to assist us. God thought of all the details when he created us :) ! -Sharique Ellison February 26, 2021
So very proud of you, keep seeking God 1st my god niece! Lesia Beard February 11, 2021
What a friend we have in Jesus All our sins and griefs to bear What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer Oh, what peace we often forfeit Oh, what needless pain we bear All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged Take it to the Lord in prayer Can we find a friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness Take it to the Lord in prayer -Kiley February 8, 2021
I admire you for teaching through a pandemic! Thank you for being honest and sharing your examples of how you navigate through the difficulty of friendships. -Katherine February 7, 2021
I am so proud of the lady God has molded you to be. This is an amazing testimony to help others along their path. May God continue to Bless you. -Crystal February 7, 2021
As Vonyee, stated, thank you so much for your transparency. It is beautiful to hear that you have friends who have your back and stand in the gap for you. We definitely all need intercession throughout our lives. -Arianna Dunn February 7, 2021
Sharon, thank you for being transparent. May God richly bless you. -Vonyee Carrington February 7, 2021