A number of years ago, my husband called me at lunch and said “what would you think about going to dinner with a friend of mine, from work?”. I said “sure”. But I had no idea that God was on the move. God was orchestrating a friendship so wonderful that I am still trying to comprehend it. I was about to experience love for a friend, like I had never experienced before.
I showed up for dinner and my husband was sitting with a white haired man about 20 years our senior. He was a gentleman and very polite. He and my husband talked shop for a while, then they talked baseball. Finally he shared a little about his wife (whom it was clear that he still DEARLY loved) and his two precious girls. I began to really enjoy our time together as he told a few stories about their life together.
Over time, the three of us became much closer. We have probably been having dinner at least once a month, for years. And several times a year we go away for a weekend together.
Our favorite destination is Cooperstown, the Baseball capital of the world. But we are one of the few groups of people who go there and DO NOT go to the Hall of Fame. Lol. We just enjoy each others company. We would typically wander through some of the shops. And we eat meals at our own special places ; ).
But the best part of our trips is listening to him tell stories. His stories are typically about Cooperstown and what things used to be like. He had lived there with his bride as newlyweds, many years ago. And these stories are filled with a little bit of history, tremendous memories, and so much love. We both have such incredible love for our friend and the times that we get together.
The other day I wrote a blog about Philip and the Eunuch whom he met on the road and who came to know the Lord as His personal Savior. Philip had heard the voice of an angel directing him where to go and even, which route to take. But this wasn’t just any trip. This trip was orchestrated by God Himself. A trip for the purposes of rescuing the soul of this Eunuch and blessing Philip. God was on the move in their lives. “Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place.” Acts 8:26.
Their meeting was not coincidental or a one time chance encounter. Their meeting was a blessing for both of those men. Because this trip (and their meeting) was planned by God.
I am convinced that God orchestrated this relationship with our friend, just as supernaturally as Philip’s meeting with the Eunuch.
A blessing like this can only come from God. Because all good and perfect things are from Him. “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” James 1:17.
I am so thankful to God for orchestrating this friendship. This relationship with our friend has been such a blessing. I don’t know that either of us have ever experienced such great love for a friend before. But that is how we know God is in it, because He IS love. “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:8.
There are no coincidences in the Kingdom. When we cross paths with someone, it is an opportunity to do the will and the work of God. Because God guides our steps. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6. Often times God’s will in those circumstances is just that we show love. “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2.
I am so thankful that God directed our path into this precious friends life. And, that He would allow us the blessings, memories and the love that we have shared.
Let God direct your steps. Because you have no idea what precious friend might be waiting.
Thank you Father God, for directing our steps. Thank you for devine appointments. And I personally thank you for our dear, sweet friend. Father you are the giver of such good gifts and we cannot thank you enough for all that you do and the way that you bless us. Help us to honor you and to seek your leading in our lives. We love and praise you Father and we pray these things in your precious and holy name Jesus. Amen.
Has your personal path seemed uncertain? Has it been fraught with storms and difficulties? Do you lack hope, peace and/or joy? God is the director of our paths, the one who calms storms and the provider of hope peace and joy. God loves you. He wants to forgive you of your sins. And He wants to pour out His hope, peace and joy on you. He also wants to calm the storms in your life. But most of all, He wants an intimate and personal relationship with you.
All God asks, is that you desire (with all your heart) a personal relationship with Him too. And that you pray a simple prayer of repentance. A prayer like that is outlined on our Life Preserver page (https://forgiven-n-loved.com/life-preserver/). Please go to that page and pray (from the bottom of your heart) that prayer (or one similar).
Once you have prayed that prayer, please reach out to me at admin@Forgiven-N-Loved.com and let me know. I would love to be in prayer with and for you.
Luv ya!
If you read this blog TBG…we are forever the Templeton Stooges and “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,” Philippians 1:3.
Love for a Friend.
When we allow, God will direct our paths. Once in a while He directs us to a new friend one that we can experience the love for a friend like never before.
