No Man Is A Failure Who Has Friends!

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

My title was taken from the classic Christmas movie, 'It's A Wonderful Life' where in the last scene George Bailey, played by the late actor Jimmy Stewart,  picks up a book left by Clarence his guardian angel and it is signed "Remember no man is a failure who has friends." Isn't that the truth?

We can go through life not making an effort to have friends which would be terrible.  Friends are so very important and that is why it is very hard when a friend betrays you. If this has not happened to you count your blessings. It is confusing and painful but something you need to get beyond. 

The formula for having friends is to be a friend. Don't always wait for someone to call and invite you but reach out to others. Back in 1997 I had been in Arizona one year and we had changed churches. I went to my first Saturday women's  event and prayed God would show me a person to sit by who needed a friend. Unknown to me at the time, my soon to be new friend had also prayed a similar prayer that God would have someone sit beside her. 17 years later we are still friends.  Your best friend ever is Jesus. He will be there even if others won't. 

PRAYER: Thank you for the gift of true friendship. I am grateful for friends past, present, and yes future. Show me how to overlook hurts and focus on friends now and making new ones. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Backing Away

 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

If you are blessed with a personality that does not bug anyone be grateful and thankful. After 60 years of life I am still working on trying to be friends with everyone which is virtually impossible. When a close friend who is like a sister almost takes her friendship away though it really is painful. No one is prepared for something like that.

Perhaps a personality quirk drove her bonkers and she broke and could take no more. Who knows. I am always grateful for friends God has blessed me with over the years. I have learned lots from them and grown from the friendships. I have many lifelong friends who are always by my side. When you get blindsided by friends sort of disowning you it is shocking and hurtful. 

If you are there today with me and have gone through this do not be mad at these people but pray for them. You may have done something and or they may have a deeper issue that is bothering them and you sent them over the edge so to speak. Continue to love and pray for them but leave them alone. Maybe God will reignite that friendship flame some day and maybe He won't. Move on and give thanks 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for the friends in my life since I was born in 1953. You have indeed showered me with blessings. Forgive me when I have irritated people and teach me how to not do that. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Click on this marvelous song about Christian friendship:

http://youtu.be/Ped1jYLFtkA