Hey guys, so, just a few days ago, a very close friend received some news that was nothing short of a miracle and it has put a HUGE smile on my face, even days after. For months, we had prayed together, fasted together and at some points even wondered if there was any more faith left in us to continue. This went on for months and it stretched the limits of my faith, which for me was a big thing because I had seen God come through in what I considered at the time to be even more challenging situations. This particular situation baffled me even more and as one of the very few people he could confide in, there was literally no one, except God, for us to turn to. And that we did.
During these challenging months, I was forced to reflect on my own capacity for love and for someone who beat herself up for being a bad friend, I was so happy to have been through that journey to get to the light at the end of the tunnel. Guys, it was not the easiest thing to do and tested the limits of my patience. I had never known any friends to face the type of situation he faced and there were times I would wonder if I had the energy to continue to encourage him. Don't get me wrong, if he wrote this post, there would be some stories about my 'tough love' approach. I am reminded of the friendship between Jonathan and David, who became brothers against all the odds and I am encouraged and grateful for the grace God gave me to persevere.
I know of friendships that have not been able to weather the storm, even in the face of adversity against the very friendship. David chose to love Jonathan despite Saul trying to kill him; this spoke more about David's character and why he was a man after God's own heart. There must've been greater than the normal capacity to love, for David to have made that choice. Looking back on the last few months, I realise that the capacity to love in the most inconvenient situations is the best kind of love because it is exactly the kind of love Jesus exhibited. I'd like to encourage everyone reading this post to stay with that friend who needs help, regardless of how inconvenient it is for you. The love that Jesus modeled on the cross was not a convenient love. The love that the good samaritan showed was not a convenient love. These were examples of Godly & costly love and that's what we are called to do. Having gone through this experience over the last few months, I am grateful for the lessons we have learned together and the growth we have seen as our faith matured.
This post is dedicated to you, friend... :)