The power of friends

The power of friends

"They couldn't bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus."  Mark 2:4

There were many stories and images posted from Monday's Boston Marathon.  One of the ones that touched me the most was the story of the runner, who, just feet away from the finish line, was getting ready to go down.  Another runner noticed his situation and proceeded to try and help him finish.  When that man also started to go down, another runner came in to help.  And then another and another.  They kept going, all the while hurting themselves, until they had carried him close to the end.  The injured runner then was gently let down to run across the finish line himself as his "new friends" followed.  

What wonderful friends to do this!  "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends".  John 15:13.  The bible also tells a story of some great friends. Mark 2:1-12 tells the story of a paralyzed man in need of healing.  He and his friends had come to hear Jesus speak.  But, because the crowds were so big, there was no room left for them to come in.  That didn't stop them though! They climbed to the roof bringing along their friend.  This could not have been easy since the man was paralyzed and forced to lie on a mat.  I'm sure it was quite a struggle but they loved their friend so much they somehow carried him up.    They then cut a hole in the roof and lowered their friend down.  Their plan worked.  Jesus healed the man saying, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home."  He got up, took his mat, and walked out in full view of them all.  This amazed everyone and they praised God."  Mark 2:11-12.  I'm sure he and his friends were laughing, crying and praising God all they way home!!

Isn't it amazing how much you can accomplish when you have a friend?  Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend."  And Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need."  Do you have friends like this?  If you do, count them as blessings. Today is a great time to tell them how much you love and appreciate them.  And, it's also a good time to ask yourself what kind of friend you are.  Are you willing to step out and help a friend in need in the face of an obstacle?  Be a blessing to someone today.  To all my friends, you know who you are, thank you for being in my life and for loving me!!!!  I certainly love you!

“I think if I've learned anything about friendship, it's to hang in, stay connected, fight for them, and let them fight for you. Don't walk away, don't be distracted, don't be too busy or tired, don't take them for granted. Friends are part of the glue that holds life and faith together. Powerful stuff.” 

― Jon Katz  

Heavenly Father, thank you for the friends in my life.  Thank you for loving us enough to give us people to help us along this journey.  May we be the friend to others that we would like for ourselves, humbly serving them with a Christlike spirit.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.  

Happy Running!!!

This ones for you my friends!!!!!