The Power of Godly Friends

I first started attending a Bible study when I was in middle school. I remember our youth leader drilled into us 1 particular verse that he mentioned every week. "Do not be misled, Bad company corrupts good character." 1 Corin 15:33. It's probably one of the first Bible verses I memorized because I heard it so often. Over the years it's come to mind every time I've seen a real-life example of it played out. Today, though, I want to talk for a moment about the opposite point. Have you seen first-hand the powerful effects of having God-fearing, Jesus-loving friends in your own life? Last week I was really struggling with grief. I'll save the details of that for another post, but the day after I'd had it out with God and felt completely exhausted from all the crying, one of my best friends texted and simply asked, 'hey, how are you doing?" It turned into a powerful exchange in which I realized God had been putting my needs on her mind all week. She'd silently been praying specifically for my heart in processing the grief of losing my mom, she didn't even realize it was the exact week of the 6 month anniversary of losing her. I didn't know she was praying; and she didn't know I was even having a rough week. But I believe her prayers (and probably countless others) led to a powerful break-through that I had with God. It felt like an affirmation that God was keenly aware of what I needed. I was in awe, once again, of just how powerful our God really is. He can put people on our hearts and we often pray without knowing the depth of the power in those prayers. In this instance, He allowed me to see it and know that He's working. Though, of course, my brain already knows God is powerful and working all things for the good of those who love Him, sometimes the heart is a little further behind in grasping that understanding. He knew I needed that. He knew that it would serve as further confirmation of what I'd heard in my own quiet time with Him the day before. I am grateful that I have this godly friend (and so many others besides her) who was so in-tune with the Spirit's leading in her own life that she heard the prompting He put on her heart and she obeyed. She prayed. If you have friends like this, you certainly know the beauty, healing and restorative power in those friendships. If you don't have friends like this, then Pray for God to open doors to building those kind of friendships. Scripture tells us He bends his ear to listen to our prayers (Ps 116:2). He will hear, He will provide. Think about it, there are women all around us who are actually rather lonely and would love to have some meaningful friendships. If you don't have people inviting you to do stuff, maybe be the one who does the inviting. You could plan a crafting day (paint flower pots for the coming of spring, maybe plant some seeds in them), have a game night (I'm currently on a mission to Bring Back Bunco Nights in my own neighborhood), or text some friends and invite them to dinner for a Girls Night Out. There's so many opportunities we can connect with other people and deepen the casual connections we've already got through work, Bible studies, neighbors, etc. There are people all around us. If you don't have those godly women in your life yet, ask God and then look around and see where they might be "hiding" in plain sight.