I love making new friends, in fact it’s always been easy for me. Friends of all different walks in life. From the adventurous water rafting and camping friend, the princess friend, the tomboy friend and the childhood friend. We naturally choose our friends based on interests, likes, personality meshes and similar seasons. For me, it was always based on who I had the most fun with. However, God chooses relationships for such a greater and eternal purpose.

As iron sharpens iron, so one friend sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17

A NEW THING

When God stripped me from all that was comfortable and familiar in my life, a huge part of that process was my relationships. Not only did they bring a false identity, but they brought a sense of self-worth. Where I was popular with 20+ friends, he then brought me to a place where I was in a sense, invisible.

He made it clear to me, that I wasn’t here to duplicate the past. God wants to do a NEW thing in your life, not repeat the old. When I got on my knees for the first time and truly surrendered to Him, I mean that genuine “whatever you want to do” prayer, everything changed.

Bigger Picture

He started to choose my friends. Friends that I would never naturally choose. We don’t have similar personalities, similar interests or walks in life. Yet, God has proven time and time again, that we are part of each other’s destiny. He sees the bigger, more important picture and God’s ways are far beyond ours. He’s not out to give us “feel good” friends but instead purpose-driven friends.

When God is taking you through a season that you could never endure without His strength and grace, he will bring you unshakeables. Those few who believe, encourage, pray without ceasing, stick closest and aren’t swayed by opinion. In that valley, he will bring you a “Jonathan”.

Jonathan was David’s best friend. The bible says, “the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved Him as His own soul.” I have that Jonathan in my life and she is a true Godsend.

My Jonathan

Even with a husband and four children all under the age of 5, God would stop her on my behalf. There have been times that she would wake up in the middle of the night with prophetic visions. She stops in the middle of her busy schedule to cry out for me and believes when I doubt. A Jonathan friend is tied to your destiny not determined by how you benefit them.

Purpose driven friends don’t come a dime a dozen, as they say. In fact, sadly I have lost friends on this journey. When God is doing something that he’s never done in your life, then not everyone from your past can still be attached. When you allow God to choose your friends, then your grip isn’t so tight. You understand His ways and that most friends are seasonal, few are lifetime. If you no longer have that friendship, it’s because God knows that person is not meant to still be tied to you. Be grateful, not resentful.

When someone unlikely crosses your path, they might be a purpose driven friend. Embrace His beautiful ways, for we are stronger when we trust Him.