Friends

I had a comment about my post yesterday on Friends/Fellowship.

I wanted to tell her this via email, but was not able to do so...
Then thought, it might be good for others as well.  You never know
who is struggling in various areas with lack of friends as well.

There was a time, not so long ago, when I had friends, but none of them really following Christ.
They were the kind of friends that said all those things that make you feel good, but there was
no meat or substance to it.  You know, the kind that give you the advice "if I were you".
BUT GOD...
I began to pray for godly friends and then began to be more specific in my prayer.
I prayed that God would send godly women into my life that I could call friends.  They wouldn't
tell me what I "wanted" to hear, but would be honest (brutally honest if necessary).  I wanted
friendships that would stand the test of time.  Friends that would understand and be comfortable
with me not liking what they said and even getting upset with them, but strong enough to stick
around and wait for me to come to my senses if need be.  Friends that would give me advice from
the Word of God and lead me back to it if I went astray.
Iron sharpening Iron....that's what I envisioned a godly friend to be and do.

I didn't want weak friends, but friends strong in their faith and doubly strong in their convictions.

It has taken some time, but as I look back over the last 4 years or so, I can see that God has chiseled out
the perfect friends for me.  I don't always agree with them, may not like what they say or do all the time
either, but they are truly my friends...sisters in Christ and they are REAL!!!!

They have cheered with me when things were good, comforted me when things were bad.  They've prayed for me when I couldn't pray for myself, and lifted me up at my lowest points.  They've rejoiced and praised
right along with me.  Given me words of wisdom and always directed me back to the GOOD BOOK.

YET, each of them is different in various ways.  We constantly throw around the phrase "best friend".  These are the bestest friends (I know that's not a word) I could have ever prayed for and I am so very thankful God chose them to be a part of my life on this journey called life.

Angie, Kelly,Jackie, & Christine, you are the ones I prayed for years ago.  The ones God placed in my life for such a time as this...and many years to come.  I wish I could express just how appreciative I am of you and your friendship.  Dare I say best friend?  That truly would not describe what and who you are to me.  In fact, there really are no words.  Thank you!!!  I love each of you to pieces and you are the best you for me!!!

So for those that are praying for those godly women to be a part of their lives...KEEP PRAYING!!!
He does hear you and when He answers, it will be in a mighty way, yet it will be so subtle you won't even realize it at first.

Thank you Father for each of these dear friends and all the other men and women of God you have placed in my life.  Thank you for their character and especially their love for You.  Thank you for their love for me and my family.  Thank you that You dwell so richly and mightily in their hearts and lives.  Cover them with Your love, grace, mercy, and Your hand.  Keep them far from all hurt, harm, or danger.  What the enemy brings into their lives for bad, turn it around for their good and Your glory.  Shine Your face upon them more and more as they continue to draw closer and closer to you.  They are truly far above rubies and for that I thank You.  In Your Precious Son's Name, AMEN.