2 kings 2:2 Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the Lord has sent me to Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.
A real friend walks with you through the good times and the bad. The story of Elisha’s dedication to his friend and mentor is an example everyone should strive to imitate. If you read further in the chapter we see that Elisha didn’t just make this statement once, but repeatedly. Elijah kept telling him to stay, yet Elisha continued alongside his friend. They knew Elijah was going to be taken away to heaven, but Elisha refused to let him walk alone.
What about you? Do you stand by your friends regardless of what is going on or what is being said? Most people are good friends when it is convenient. When things get tough or uncomfortable they retreat from their friends to the comfort and security of their own life with maybe just the promise of “I’ll be praying for you.” Praying for them is important but so is support. Being there physically shows them how much you truly care for them. It takes a lot more effort to show up and walk alongside your friend than it does to text them.
I challenge you today to step up your friend game and be there for them at all times, not just when it’s easy. Find out what your friends are going through and make the effort to walk alongside them in their need. Go the distance with them no matter how many times they say, “Stay here.” Be their Elisha and let them know that as surely as the Lord lives, you are by their side and will not leave them. It could just be the lifeline your friend needs to get through hardship or trials.
Be the first to comment