Friends

    Friends are absolutely one of the most amazing gifts that God has given us. I realize this more and more as I get older. Lately I've been contemplating whether people see me as who God wants me to be or who I want me to be... and yes, my life definitely leans more towards showing people who I want me to be. How many of us could truly say that everyone who knows of us knows exactly who we are? Do friends and even just aquatainces see the mess or the picture perfect view?

    A friend shared this verse last tonight, and I just have to share it because it fits so well with all that I've been praying about recently.

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 ESV

    God has called us to be Christlike, but he has not given us the ability to be perfect. To strive for that is noble, but if we believe we are meant to be perfect, and represent that to the world through our lives, then we are lying to ourselves and everyone around us. We are all broken people. As Christians, we are saved by grace, no longer having to fear eternal punishment, but we do still mess up. We do still make mistakes. I don't believe that I have ever lived a day that I could say I didn't sin. To live in a way that says I have would be a false representation of Christ and his salvation.

    Tonight I cried as I realized anew the pure joy that I felt in the blessing of friendship. Friends love you for who you are. They share your brokenness and mistakes, without judgement or dondemnation. They will listen, encourage, and be there for you when you need someone.

    I believe we've lost track of who God has called the Church to be. We are the hands and feet of Christ. We are to be there for each other, lifting each other up, caring for each other. But if we aren't sharing our trials and temptations, then we aren't sharing our need, and people will have no clue that our lives are any different than the little bit they've had a glimpse of.

    This week I struggled to click send on a message to my Bible study group. All I was doing was asking for prayer. I knew without a doubt that I needed it. I'll say all the time "please pray for me." We all need prayer all the time, right? But to ask for prayer in this situation really just seemed to be laying out my brokenness.... piece by tiny piece. That can be way harder than we imagine. Basically, I was afraid of what my  friends would think.

    So from now on I want to challenge myself, and at the same time challenge you. Realize that everyone around us is going through something that they need prayers about. We want people to care about us. In realizing that need, we need to be the example by fulfilling that need in others, and God will work out the rest. My challenge is that we become more open about who we are, and show Christ's love by actively praying for those around us. Be who God made you to be! Ask for prayers when you need them. Be joyful and be a friend.