New Faces to Familiar Friends.

Real Dudes,
Let me ask each of you this question…Is it possible to meet someone for the very first time and become instant / lifelong / devoted friends? Check out 1 Samuel 18:1-4 (NLT)...in this passage we read that, “After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. 2 From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn’t let him return home. 3 And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. 4 Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt.”
We would typically say that instant connections/friendships don’t just happen. Ok, then what just happened between David and Jonathan? What happened is that God provided an immediate bond/connection/friendship between these two men…He knew that they’d both need each other throughout their lives. God orchestrated it, it was instant, it was genuine, and it was long lasting. God knows that friendships can’t be developed and happen in isolation. This is why God emphasizes the importance of friendships and community. He knows who we need and when we need them in our lives, and as is His nature…He WILL provide like He did for David and Jonathan. 
About a year ago I got together with some of the other associate pastors here in Marshfield. I shared a prayer request concerning the struggles of moving into a new community and the longing to develop friendships. Here’s what one of the associate pastors prayed. “Lord, I pray that new faces will become familiar friends for Nate and his family.” I don’t know if this has ever happened to you, but have you had someone pray for you and a phrase that person said stood out to you? A message that you just absolutely needed to hear from the Lord. This was a time for me…that New Faces Will Become Familiar Friends. Looking back at my life I have seen that happen a time or two. There are men in my life that I’ve become close friends with and remained close friends with after meeting them for the first time. Men that I still stay in touch with. Men that God knew I’d need in my life to help me through some tough times and struggles in my life. 
Men, Think about it…What new face in the last year or two has become a familiar friend to you? If you can’t think of any, then please know that I’ll be praying that God will send you someone in the days ahead. I’ll be praying that you’ll be looking for a brother to come alongside you. I’ll be praying that if isolation and loneliness are your safe spaces, that you’ll trust God to lead you from there and into some amazing friendships. I’ll be praying that if you’ve been burned by “friends” in the past, that you’ll recognize when God is behind what could potentially become a legit friendship. 
So my challenge to each of you is to be intentional about introducing yourself and meeting a new face…you never know what that face might turn into, a familiar friend perhaps? Don’t miss out on God leading a new friend into your life. Give it a chance…if it doesn’t work out, then you know that you at least tried. And don’t give up…God will provide as He always does in His perfect way and time. We all long for belonging in life, so I pray that you’ll seek out friends who will encourage you in your walk with the Lord. You got this, men!!! Just when you’ve convinced yourself that you have NO friends…check out the passages and song below. Such great reminders.
Praying for you,
Nate

John 15:12-15 (NLT) 12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.

James 2:23 (NLT) And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God.

Song: What a Friend We Have In Jesus by Alan Jackson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znWu2HCJ92c