Life Plan Devotion #12 [Friends]

It's not the number of friends you have that's important; it's the quality of your friendships. I have two very best friends, and the three of us call ourselves the Crazy Faith Friends. The "crazy" part goes with "faith," not with "friends," although sometimes it fits us. We desire that our faith be crazy, out there, where we believe God for the seemingly impossible. Sometimes, we're like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, going through a fiery furnace together. Our friendship is so strong.
There are other friendships where the contact is minimal, due to living far apart, mostly. However, when we can get together, we pick up right where we left off. I know, too, that if I needed one of my faraway friends, he/she would be here right away for me, and they know the same goes for me. It's very comforting.
For believers, Jesus can be our very best friend, who "sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24, NIV). I think of when Jesus was talking to His disciples about Himself as The Vine and they as the branches, what it must have been like for them to hear Him say, "I call you friends" (John 15:15, NCV). How strong is your friendship with Jesus? Is it minimal, because you've moved away from Him, or is it fiery-furnace strong?

Ecclesiastes 4:12 [Today's NIV]
"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken."

What this has to do with weight loss: I know a person can lose weight all on their own, but why would you want to. Find several weight-loss buddies with whom you can share your weight-loss joys and struggles. If they are believers, too, your "cord" will be that much stronger.

Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, by myself I'm unprotected and can be more easily overpowered. With a strong friend, I can face the worst. With two friends, we become a 3-stranded cord that's not easily broken. Today, help me to be surrounded by godly friends. Open doors for me to meet just the right people, at just the right time, who will lovingly support Your will for my life. Bring many of us together, to humbly serve You and each other. I pray in the Name of my Best Friend, Jesus. Amen."

Go forth today, and cherish your friends.