1/2/2025
The hour is late and another day has quickly turned the page. It seems no matter how early or late I go to bed I feel as if I left something undone. The early mornings are sweet hours spent listening, often crying for what I cannot visually see but sense in the spirit.
A friend called me, and she was noticeably disturbed by something other than the mounting pressures in her life. If she watches the secular news she knows most of it is not based on fact, rather it is biased and self-serving. Still, she bemoans the day and hopes for the imminent return of Christ. This has become so prevalent in the lives of those who are tired of the struggles of the day, fearing what may come to pass, or just too tired to care. My friend has simply grown weary in doing the mundane, not being able to enjoy retirement, as many experience quite easily. Her idea of retirement is a day of rest without having to do anything unless she wants to, a day without someone needing assistance, without worrying about the slow demise of one she loves. Her struggles are real and daily faced. She admits that there are days she'd rather not get out of bed, but she knows that she has to. Just a few more minutes in a warm and cozy bed, she murmurs to herself, eventually rising to the task. I imagine many have experienced such feelings, but who have resisted the urging of the voices in the head saying "one day won't matter." It is the way of things, sadly.
I must admit to sharing her feelings from time to time. It would be nice to snuggle into the warm, fleece sheets and sleep a little while longer. But, I don't think there has ever been a time where I surrendered to this reckless habit, even when I'm not feeling particularly fit. When I was working remotely from home I always had to get up, shower, get dressed, just in case someone might call, and I would need to go. I wouldn't allow myself to stay in my pajamas on the days I stayed in my office. No, I had to get up, take a shower, brush my teeth, and dress for the day. I have an older friend who manages to stay in his pajamas and robe the majority of the day, all the same inviting visitors to come on in and sit awhile. He is available to listen, pray, help as needed. He even walks a block to his mailbox to retrieve the mail without inhibition. Completely comfortable in who he is. I admire his courage and his resolve. Peter is a friend of God who is always willing to listen and pray when a friend is in need. He's always available, instant in season and out, as the word says.
Abraham and Moses were both considered "friends of God." Sunday I recently a message about what it means to be a friend of God, and I have been chewing on the words. A story was told about a great man of God who had been hospitalized, yet not even his pastor had come by to visit and pray in agreement with him for healing. He asked his daughter, "Where are the friends of God," I want to get out of this bed and go home!" By understanding how these words are used contextually in the Bible she knew that she needed to call someone whom her dad understood to be a man of prayer, someone who believed what the word says, so they could be in agreement, unwavering in faith. Someone who believed he could speak to a mountain, in faith, and it would be removed, because Jesus said it. His daughter did not have to labor long as she knew such a one. From across the oceans all the way in the continent of Africa he came, without hesitation, to minister to his friend. And, as it happened, the man of God was healed, and he walked out of the hospital, healed, to the unbelief and wonderment of his physician. A miracle. They are indeed available for the one who believes without wavering in their faith. God cannot but help when He hears the prayers of His saints calling out to Him. I believe that in the days to come, miracles will become more real to those who believe. It's only a matter of time when God releases His power as noted in Joel 2. I don't know about anyone else, but I am waiting and watching expectantly for that great and terrible day of the LORD. Miracles do happen today, faith does heal the sick. In God's time and His way. I am a walking testimony to His favor and mercy. I desire to be available to others when they call, my ears attentive to God's call. I don't want to miss it by being "too busy" to go, but to be attentive to His call.
Where are the friends of God?
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