I Don't Even Like Womenਨਮੂਨਾ

A SACRED SEARCH

Sisters, God hears the desperate whispers in our hearts for friendship. I like to think that is why he is so intentional in his Word to point us toward our first relationship with God (as we touched on in yesterday’s devotional) and then friendship with one another.

Observe the relationship between Elijah and Elisha in 2 Kings 2:2, where we are told Elijah wanted to ascend alone.

Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to Bethel.”

But Elisha replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you!” So they went down together to Bethel.

We need friends who will witness the power and plan of God in our lives with their own eyes and not abandon us when the mission goes off course or gets dangerous.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.”

Solomon is letting us know that even though we can do life alone, why would we if we don’t have to? He is helping us understand the danger in solitude, for without another in our life we won’t have that iron to sharpen us or to lead us away from sin when we stumble.

What a gift we have in friendship given to us from our good Father! We were meant to live this life across tables, not through the screens of our phones, online and isolated. Friendship offers us those who will fight with us and for us through prayer, words of encouragement, and even correction to protect us. Biblical friend­ship offers words of life in barren seasons and hope when all feels hopeless.

Biblical sisterhood is an invitation to community built on the Great Commandment of loving God and loving one another as Christ loves his Church, and that love is unconditional, free, and for us all.

Name a few obstacles or fears that make friendship difficult for you in this season of life. Maybe it’s time, lack of community, fear of rejec­tion. What are some baby steps you can take toward the hope of true relationship with your sisters in Christ?