Friends are a gift from God

"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." Hebrews 10:25 NLT

I couldn't put my car in park fast enough upon pulling up to the start of the Rock Island Road Race in Eldon Saturday where my friends were gathering for our first real race in months.  "Hey you guys!" I yelled as I literally jumped out and rushed to talk to them. And it was obvious that they all felt the same way! After not "meeting together" in person for so long, it was great to catch up and hear all their words of encouragement. In fact, this group of friends that I like to refer to as my 'running peeps' is so encouraging that they finished their races and then came back to help me finish mine! They knew I wasn't fully back to running because of a hamstring strain and would be walking most of the 15k. But not only did they come back, these amazing peeps whom I dearly love formed an arch for me and the other last place finisher to run under. Do you just love that or what? 

And you know, this story is a perfect example of why the Lord not only gave us friends but urged us to meet with them regularly. He knew we would need these relationships to keep us motivated and uplifted! And when it comes to being edified or uplifted, consider the greater value of having fellow believers as friends. You see, while a friend - defined as a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection - is beneficial, Christian friends share a mutual bond between one another and also with our Savior, Jesus Christ. This type of friendship is priceless because these companions will not only encourage us to make it to the finish line of a race but will encourage us to press on to reach the end of our spiritual race so we can receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us   

So "let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." Oh aren't you glad God gave us friends? I sure am!

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us friends that we can lean on and who share our love for You. These relationships serve to encourage us in so many ways and I pray that we would never have to be socially distanced from them ever again. Help us to be always looking for ways to lift up and help our Christian brothers and sisters that they would stay faithful in these last days." It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Lean on me - D.C. Talk