CHOOSING A FRIEND
By Mother Cassidy
I have found Jesus to be my true friend, and I can always depend on Him to guide me. Sometimes when the road gets rough, and the storms are raging in my life, He’s stands true. Sometimes God allows us to go through storms so we truly understand who He is. It is then that we realize that He controls both the storms of nature, and the storms of the troubled heart. Jesus’ power can calm any storm, and help us deal with the problems we face. He is willing to help if we only ask Him. We should not discount His power even in terrible trials. He keeps making a way for me, and bringing me out without a doubt. In the darkest moments, He shows me there’s light at the end of the tunnel. WHAT A FRIEND I HAVE IN JESUS.
God will never forsake you; just put your trust in Him and not man. There are times when man will let you down, they change like the weather; but God is the same today, tomorrow and forever more. There were times in my life when friends changed like turn coats, and started throwing darts, persecuting me. But if I love God as my friend, I must have a forgiving heart. Even If you find it hard to forgive someone who has hurt you, forgive anyway. If appropriate, tell this person you would like to heal your relationship. Many times you will discover that the right action leads to the right feeling. Romans 12:18 reminds us that, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceable with all men.” I thank God that He never changes from day to day. I learn to base my friendship on commitment to God, and not on others, because God will remain your friend to the end.
I used to run to my friends with my problems. Instead of complaining to man, God wants you to confide in Him. People often complain to one another and nothing gets accomplished. Many of us are good at complaining to each other. We need to learn to take our problems to the One that can do something about them. My God can do anything, but fail; carrying your worries, stress and daily struggles by yourself shows that you have not trusted God fully with your life. Letting God have your worries is active, not passive. Don’t submit to circumstances, but to the Lord who controls circumstances. 1 Peter 5:7 says “cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you.”
Our friends and associates affect us, sometimes profoundly. Be careful who you choose as your closest friends. When most people need advice, they go to their friends first. Friends accept them and usually agree with them, but that is why they may not be able to help with difficult problems.
Our friends are so much like us that they may not have any answers we haven’t already heard. Instead, we should seek out older and wiser people to advise us. Wise people have experienced a lot in life, they are not afraid to tell the truth. Who are the wise, godly people who can warn you of the pitfalls ahead? The word of God say, He that walked with wise men shall be wise, but companion of fools shall be destroyed. Instead of talking to my associates, I learn to talk to the mother of the church or my pastor. Most of all learn to take everything to God in prayer. One thing about calling on Jesus is that the line is never busy, but your friends’ lines could be or may even be disconnected. If you chose God as your friend, your direct line is always connected. Just keep the communication open and always talk to Him about anything.
CHOOSE HIM AS YOUR FRIEND TODAY!!!