Make the Time to Grow Friendships

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV

In a disturbing story published by Kens5 News out of San Antonio Tuesday, it was reported that runner safety is top of mind after a 63-year-old woman vanished from an east-side trail on Sunday. Stacey Dramiga was found the next day by park police along the Salado Creek Greenway Trail, according to the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office. Dramiga’s cause of death reveals she was brutally attacked and suffered severe injuries to her head. Because of this, local runner, Sarah Ellis, who completed a race on the same trail the week before Stacey was murdered, offered some safety tips to the community—with the first tip being, “Always let someone know where you’re going and when you’re going.” That way, if you’re not back at the appropriate time, that person will know you’re gone and will come and search for you.

And, you know, there are many reasons why God gave us friends. They provide companionship, they encourage us, they help us when we need it, and they watch out for us. Which is the very reason Solomon declared that “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Sadly though, we live in a world where many people don’t put in the time and the effort it takes to grow solid, godly, lasting friendships but settle for shallow relationships with no foundation instead. Of this, Solomon said “pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” This is the very reason you and I would do well to make time to meet and fellowship with other believers to grow friendships that will be mutually beneficial. 

So in a world filled with texting, emails, and other forms of ‘connecting’ with others, don’t neglect meeting in person as some are in the habit of doing my friend. In a world that’s growing increasingly hostile to Christians, these tried-and-true friendships can be your lifeline. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding us that this world is becoming a more dangerous place each and every day and we need to have the protection a group of fellow believers can offer. Compel us to seek good and godly friendships Lord so that we will have someone to help us when we fall down and we can in turn help someone else who has fallen down. We pray peace and comfort for Stacey’s family today as well Lord. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!