The Gift of Friends

Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I’ve had it! I have had enough! Lord, maybe I’ve outlived my usefulness. To die – maybe it’s my time. Maybe it really would be gain.” Well, if you’re like me, friend, there have been more than a few times when you’ve said that – or at least you’ve thought it.

And you and I aren’t the only ones. Even that powerful prophet named Elijah felt like he had outlived his usefulness. And hey, Elijah wasn’t kidding around. Even though he had performed spectacular miracles just the day before – does that sound familiar? – the following day he hit rock bottom. Elijah really wanted to die — he even asked the Lord himself to take his life.

Now look what happens to Elijah next. First, God sends an angel. But the angel just doesn’t stand there with his hands on his hips, all exasperated and say, “What in the world do you have to complain about? Would you please get your act together and quit feeling sorry for yourself?! I mean, come on! Let’s get a little perspective here. You’ve got God on your side. You have this wonderful ministry. You’ve got people who love and respect you. Would you quit acting like a wimp and just shape up?!”

No, the angel doesn’t say that. Instead, the angel provides rest and something to eat. The angel offers a listening empathetic ear and even agrees that Elijah needs help because the journey has been hard. The angel even presents Elijah with new work to do — switching focus onto others was just what Elijah needed.

Now here’s the thing. The lesson of Elijah is for us all. Just as surely as the angel of the Lord personally gave the prophet rest and strength, the Lord places his angels, his ministering spirits around us. And, oh, how I thank the Lord for those Christian friends who, when I get down or discouraged, don’t stand there with their hands on their hips and say, “Joni, what in the world do you have to complain about! You’ve got this; you’ve got that –  quit acting like a wimp; shape up!” Well, actually, I do have a couple of Christian friends who say things like that, and I must admit there are times when I need that kind of straight-talking, hard-hitting advice.

But all-in-all, I am so grateful for friends who offer quiet and rest, strength and perspective in a gentle, encouraging way. I’m so grateful for friends who help me switch my focus onto others and their needs. Elijah was able to turn the corner and he was able to get back on track, thanks to God providing that kind of encouragement. And we are able to get back on track, too, when we take a moment to stop, catch our breath, rest, refresh ourselves, feel the love of a friend, and then switch our focus on others who may need the same kind of help and hope.

Do you feel like giving up today? Oh boy, well, you’re not alone. Elijah would understand. But most of all, God understands. 

Let us pray for you at Joni and Friends. Our staff meets every morning to lift up your prayer requests, so tell us your prayer needs at joniradio.org. Again, that’s joniradio.org, where we share hope through every hardship. 

Finally, I want to thank this station for granting me these precious minutes in which I can share hope through your hardship every day. And I do pray you found my words hopeful today.

© Joni and Friends