TWO FRIENDS, TWO CONVERSATIONS

Yesterday I had the opportunity to have extended conversations with two friends and to hear how God has been leading their lives. The first shared an amazing story with so many twists and turns it was dizzying. There were so many times when it appeared as if God had closed a door, only to find out it was merely a delay. A process which should have taken several months, ultimately took nine, long months. And now, my friend is only days away from beginning the greatest opportunity of his life. As he shared his journey I was most amazed by his determination to trust God. There were times when things were very confusing, and it looked as if the door had closed, yet God’s plan prevailed. I am reminded of Proverbs 19:21 (NLT): “You can make many plans, but the LORD's purpose will prevail.”

In my second conversation with a friend, I heard more of a story of someone who is somewhere in the process of God’s plans unfolding in his life. There is no doubt God has his hand upon my friend’s life, but exactly where God is leading is unclear at this point. He has no choice, but to trust the Lord. 

Two friends and two conversations. One beginning an exciting new chapter in his life and the other not exactly sure where he is in God’s story. I think 2 Corinthians 4:11-18 applies to both of my friends. One has just lived this passage and the other is living it right now. In The Message it reads: “Our lives are at constant risk for Jesus' sake, which makes Jesus' life all the more evident in us. 12 While we're going through the worst, you're getting in on the best! 13 We're not keeping this quiet, not on your life. Just like the psalmist who wrote, "I believed it, so I said it," we say what we believe. 14 And what we believe is that the One who raised up the Master Jesus will just as certainly raise us up with you, alive. 15 Every detail works to your advantage and to God's glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise! 16 So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. 17 These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. 18 There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.”

I thank the Lord for good friends. I am also excited to see what God does in each of their lives.