This past week I prayed over a friend. I don’t think she’ll mind me sharing what happened…
I really felt she needed to know the depth our friendship. That when she literally can’t see truth, i see it for her. When she literally can’t stand and recieve the goodness God has for her because she is bruised from battle…I stand for her. I stretch my hand out to pull her back up and support her until she’s able to stand again. She and i are similar in the sense we don’t think we need people. We can do it on our own. We are strong; stubborn women. I see her need so clearly because its inevitably my need. This particular morning I was pressed to pray with her. So we did just that. I made her sit on the ground, i stood next to her, holding her hand and just prayed.
Its not so important what i said as it is the image God portrayed to me. The image that not only is this how the body of believers act toward one another BUT its also how Jesus is with us. He stands when we can’t; He holds our hand the whole way until we can stand again, even then He doesn’t let go. He is relentless with us. When we cry, he cries with us…When we laugh, he laughs with us. He wants us to have DEEP relationship with him. I believe him. Look at the cross and what was already DONE FOR US. Why wouldn’t he continue this…? How does this happen? Nikki, this seems crazy. You’re right it does. But its what he desires. It happens by allowing Him into the depths of who we are. Being real with ourselves is being real with the Father. Allowing yourself to be exposed is entering into deep relationship with Him and those around you. You see, my friend allows me to speak into deep parts of her and I allow her to do that for me.
The Old Testament talks a lot about the covenant God made. Genesis and Exodus are covered with this covenant. My friends, this covenant applies for us today. God told Noah over and over that he and his decendants would be blessed and they’d multipy. Do you believe Jesus is the Savior? Do you love Him? If so, you my friend are a decendant. Today the challenge is simple…Enter into deeper relationship with the Father.
That morning of praying with my friend, i know in that moment Christ was standing on the other side of me, holding my hand as i held my friend’s hand. Friendship is a covenant. Cherish what you have and dig for deeper…it just gets better.
Never settle…reach for more even when it hurts.
