When you go through a hard time in life, what is it that gets you through? Is it your family, your reliance on God, good friends, or an encouraging Bible verse? For me it is all of those things.
I could talk for days on how much God has taught me about trusting Him this past year, but I won’t-at least not now. ;) Out of all the blessings I listed above, there has been just one that has stuck out to me the most this week- friends. I know that I would not be who I am today if it wasn’t for them. I don’t have as many as the average teenager, but the ones I have I cherish. As our family has endured this hard yet incredible season of our life, I have discovered who my true friends are. Throughout your life you’ll come across quite a few different types of people, and it's no ones choice but YOURS on whether or not you are going to invest into a friendship. But the choice isn’t as easy as it seems...The people that you choose to let in will impact and change your entire life. This should be no casually-made decision. If you treat it as such, you may find yourself trapped in a ditch you never meant to fall into- trust me, I’ve been there. I’m going to ask you a couple of questions regarding your own friends, and I want you to answer them (mentally, or on a piece of paper). No, you may not like these questions, and answering them may pull you from your comfort zone. Just know I love you all too much to let you pursue friendships blindly without at least sharing the truth. But after all, your life isn’t mine, but yours. No one can choose who you decide to be friends with, but YOU. Who you hang out with determines your future, and the type of people you spend time with will have an effect on you whether you realize it or not.
Are we glorifying God in these friendships, and are these friends striving to glorify God with us, too, even if it means walking out our faith in a counter-cultural way? The list I comprised above is one I not only want to be able to answer for who I am friends with, but also how I am a friend to others. If you are an adult, I challenge you to reach out to those younger than you and help them in their friendships. Guide them, and be the person you would have loved to have in your own life at that age. Adults impact the youth even more than their peers, even if they don’t realize it. You are so wise, and you have so much to give (hence, one of the reasons why I love spending time with and learning from those older than me:). If you are a teenager, don’t be too overwhelmed by social-status or friendship-goals. I have been through many seasons of my life where people who seek the Lord above all else are scarce. But don’t compromise. You were called to walk on the straight and narrow path to Jesus Christ. God will give you the right people you need to make it on that journey. Don’t stress about it. I know what it's like to not have many friends, and I’m okay with that. Why? Because I refuse to “dim down” my light and “hold back” my heart for Jesus in my conversations, lifestyle, and relationships. If people don’t like me for it, then so be it! This walk will be hard, but I promise you that you’re not alone, and the right people are worth waiting for. Jesus is with you, so who cares what the world thinks! Proverbs 18:24 - “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Love in Jesus Christ, Hannah K. (Need a friend or someone to encourage you through this hard time in your life? Send me an email at: [email protected]. Do you need prayer for anything? I’m just a button away! :D Thank you for reading my blog and helping me reach 80 subscribers!) I Dare YOU to be a true biblical friend this week...to the hurting and to the lovable.
1 Comment
Tanner Patton
9/13/2019 10:35:34 pm
Hey Hannah! Thank you for writing this article! As I thought through what kind of friends I have, I began thinking about what kind of friend I am... And I can be a horrible friend, yet I was so quick to judge others, but I am held to the same standard!
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AuthorHello, I'm Hannah and I'm so glad you're here! I'm a twenty-year-old Jesus-loving writer, National Bible Bee Alumna, and homeschool graduate. Jesus redeemed me, and now I give my life, and this blog, to serve Him. Hebrews 3:13 reminds us to encourage each other daily, lest we be hardened by sin. I hope that reading each blog entry that I post you will be encouraged and challenged to become more like Christ daily. |