Godly Friends Will Get You to the Finish Line

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12 NIV

In an inspiring story published by Canadian Running yesterday, it was reported that Noah Allen, a 28-year-old runner from Prince Rupert, B.C., will mark the beginning of a physically- and emotionally-taxing journey on August 9: running seven marathons in seven days in honor of his late father, Markus, who died of bladder cancer two years ago. Allison will be raising funds for the B.C. Cancer Foundation’s Patient Relief Fund… Luckily, he won’t be running alone. “I’ll have tons of people running with me,” Allison told Canadian Running. “So far I’ve got a list of 14 and I expect it to grow to around 25-30 by the time of the event.” He’s even had some non-runners commit to trying to run a full day’s marathon alongside him. Which is a good thing since having the support of friends will exponentially increase his chances of completing the journey. 

This is true in completing the journey of life as well— a journey that can also be described as physically and emotionally taxing. Having people in our lives who are committed to walking alongside us can make all the difference in whether we stay the course until the end or give up when the race gets difficult. Which is the very reason Jesus commanded the disciples to love one another in the same way Jesus loved them. You see, Jesus knew that they would face many trials and troubles after He left them. But He knew they could continue pressing on with the encouragement and companionship godly friendships provide—because these friendships are held together by a mutual love of the Savior and involve a wholehearted-commitment to one another that goes beyond the world’s definition of love and friendship. 

So, if your life’s journey has become physically and emotionally taxing, refuse the urge to give up my friend. Enlist the help of some godly friends instead. Let them know what you’re going through and you can be sure they’ll come alongside you, spurred on by the love of Jesus, and assure you that you won’t be running alone. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are to love our brothers and sisters in Christ in the same way that You first loved us that we might inspire them to continue running the race until they reach that final finish line. Help us to love them in such a way that the world is inspired to seek You because of it. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!