SPECIAL FRIENDS

 

Do you still stay in contact with your friends from high school? I am friends with a few of them on facebook. It has been a while since we have had a reunion. So, besides those two ways, I really don't. Even so I believe we still have a bond that is unique and I DO THINK OF THEM often. One of those HIGH SCHOOL FRIENDS lives not to far from me. He came in and visited a few weeks ago. I haven't made it to visit him. I am just not good at doing that. I get so focused on what I am doing right now that I do not take the time to sit with friends from the past, even recent past. Since we have moved to Henry County, I haven't been much in contact with my friends in Bluffton or Fort Wayne or my friends from CMA or MVI. I do miss them and they do mean a lot to me, but once again I have become focused on what God has called me to right now. I am consumed by my PRESENT MISSION. 

These verses from Paul to the church at Philippi always make me think of my many friends from the past.

"Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first hear it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart." (Philippians 1:3-7, NLT)

In the first century church, they couldn't hop in the car and make the trip to visit someone like we can today. Paul's missionary journeys took months and years to complete. When he left friends behind like Timothy, he didn't have the resources to stay connected like we do today. But, we know he thought about them. I do have the resources to stay in contact but I also know that God has called me to move on to spread the gospel on my own "missionary journey." That doesn't mean I don't miss my former friends in Christ. It doesn't mean I don't care and I certainly do continue to THINK about them and PRAY FOR THEM. They do not NEED me to continue their work for the Lord. I know God will continue to guide and direct them and I am thankful for a God who doesn't have to focus on one thing and then another. He can do it all! He can be everywhere, guide all my friends from the past. He can continue his work in them and although it is hard, I leave them in his mighty hands. 

This is my prayer for them all:

"I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation -- the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ -- for this will bring much glory and praise to God." (Philippians 1:9-11, NLT)

I love you all. I miss you and pray God's blessing and hand upon you. YOU DO HOLD A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART!