The rewards of friendship (2)

“You find families for those who are lonely.”          Ps 68:6 CEV

A woman, recently divorced, moved to a town where she knew nobody. When she finally got up the nerve to visit a church, she prayed, “Lord, let me fit in. Surround me with friends.” The Bible says, “A man who has friends must…be friendly” (Pr 18:24 NKJV). So she asked two ladies if she could sit with them, and they ended up going out to lunch together. Turns out, all three women lived alone and were feeling isolated. So they started a Bible study group and named it G.A.L.S.: God’s Amazing Love Sustains. Ruth Senter said, “When you’re truly joined in spirit…you work for the good of each other,” and years later this little “family” is going strong, sharing their ups and downs, praying, and looking out for each other. Thomas Blackaby observed: “One of the good things God does is provide godly friends. This is one of His ways of giving us encouragement, support, advice, and companionship. Paul couldn’t have physically survived many of his trials and persecutions without companions (See 2Co 7:6-7). It’s sad when God’s people don’t spend time developing friendships, and instead go off on their own in ministry…no wonder they often burn out…or come home disillusioned or bitter because they didn’t have the support and encouragement their ministry demanded…Thank God for those He’s chosen to be encouragers and supporters. Who are you being a friend to right now? Who has God put on your heart to strengthen and walk alongside? Ask Him to help you be a faithful friend… that together you can rejoice in what He does through your combined efforts.”

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