From Striving to Surrender: A Journey From Head Knowledge to Heart Acceptanceنموونە

Day 2–You Are His Friend

God’s love is not distant. No matter what you may believe about yourself, He does not simply tolerate you. In John 15, Jesus says, "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command" (John 15:12-14 NIV).

Friends are invited in, and friends hear what is on the heart. Jesus calls us His friends, and He laid down His life for us.

We might think, “How can I be a friend of God when I am still so sinful?” or "How does God see me as a friend when I can never sit still enough to meet with Him?" But this is the beauty of grace. He doesn't wait for you to be perfect before He draws near.

The problem is, we often try to “naturalise” God. We think of Him in human terms, as though His friendship works like our friendships do—where, for example, mistakes can ruin relationships. But His ways are higher and His love is supernatural. He sees the truth of your life and still calls you closer.

This isn't and never has been about earning. Nor is it about getting everything right. This is about living in a relationship where love is the foundation, not performance.

Some questions to help you think this through could be:

• Am I living as though God is my friend?
• Do I take time to hear His heart?
• Do I speak honestly with Him when I do make that time?
• Do I remember that His desire is to be close, not far off?

Today, stop asking how this makes sense. Let your heart rest in the truth that the God of the universe calls you friend.