Finding Faithful Friendships

Finding Faithful Friendships

A devotional by Rachel Homick

Key Scripture

“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.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NLT)

Do our friendships bring us closer to, or farther from, a relationship with God?  

When I was younger, I wanted to be a part of the “fun” group of girls.  In our teens and early 20s, the motto was to live life to your fullest before getting married and having kids.  I believe we can all look back at some of the things we have done and ask, how did I survive that? I have a few of those moments, and I truly believe God was watching over me.  There were times when I did fall, and my “friends” either knocked me down further or laughed at my expense.  

We teach our children to stay away from friends that may lead them down the wrong path, but do we listen to our own advice?  Do we have friends encouraging us to partake in sinful acts?  

If we want to grow closer to God, we can’t take one step forward and then take two steps back with a friend who encourages behavior God would not approve of.  

I wanted friends who would hold out a hand and pull me up when I fell, not walk away and leave me on the ground. 

I have always had faith and believed in God, but I can’t say I had a daily, connected relationship with God until the past few years.  I didn’t pray regularly; only when I needed or wanted something.  

When the hard times in life start knocking me down—a health diagnosis, death in the family, marriage troubles— I find myself picking up the phone and calling the women who I know also have a faith-centered life.  I trust them to give me moral and honest advice.  Especially when I need to be shown that I need to take a step back and look at the situation from the other person’s perspective.  My friends encourage me to be a better wife, mother, employee, and most of all, a better Christian.  And in return, I have learned to give advice based on faith to my friends I know are grateful for the same kind of support.  I want to make sure that for as often as I have my hand held out to be picked up, I am also holding my hand out to help someone up when they are down.   

We must remember to surround ourselves with friends who want to lead a life of obedience to God’s word.  The verse from Ecclesiastes reminds us that two are better than one. When sisters in Christ come together and lift each other, the falls we have won’t feel so hard or deep to come back from because there will be a hand reaching out to us.

The most important relationship is the one I have with God, and it needs to be protected.  Find yourself faithful friendships who can agree on this, and you both will help each other succeed. 

Reflection Question  

Take a few minutes to think about your friendships and if they are faith-centered.  Am I the friend who holds out a hand when someone falls—and am I surrounding myself with friends who do the same for me?  

Prayer 

Heavenly Father, lead us towards friendships that help us build a stronger relationship with you.  May we come together as sisters in Christ to help each other succeed and be obedient to your commands.  When we fall, please give our friends strength and encouragement to lift us in your name.  Amen. 

Rachel Homick is a litigation paralegal, writer, and women’s midlife coach empowering women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and beyond by focusing on healthy choices, fitness, friendships, and faith.  To find out more about Rachel, visit www.trustandleapoffaith.com and Instagram @trustandleapoffaith.coaching