The True Friend

Everyone desires a true friend. A friend with whom you can share all your secrets and dreams. Someone who you can be yourself around and say your truest thoughts out loud. A friend who shares your laughter and tears. A friend who will never turn their back on you. There is only one problem with searching for such a friend; humans are imperfect and naturally flawed. People will unintentionally or intentionally disappoint you. Heck, people have a tendency of disappointing themselves! Truth is, it’s a supernatural best friend that you seek. The good news is, he knocks at the door of your heart each day, waiting to do life with you. His Name is Jesus.

You see, when Jesus walked on earth, he had gained many followers and friends. And despite how many times people betrayed Jesus and misunderstood him, his love for them was unconditional, which allowed him to keep moving forward with his purpose, which was to ultimately save the very people who were sinning against him. He is the ultimate example of what it means to be a true friend; to lay down your life down for another.

God knew exactly what he was doing when he sent his only son to earth - Not only would Jesus save the world from their sins, but he would teach us how to behave as children of God. He descended from heaven to relate to you and your world. He literally said, “Come and follow me”. He leads you to True life, when you invite him into yours.

Jesus is a friend who will never let you down, no matter what obstacles seem to be standing in the way.  He is willing to walk beside you and experience the hurt, with you. With Jesus you are never truly alone.

Because of Jesus, we are able to live a life without fear. In Christ, we know how our story ends as children of God. The bible says “ We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear.” - Luke 1:74

And yet, we frequently forget about who we are, in Christ? We forget about our “call a friend” lifeline when life becomes flooded with overwhelming circumstances. Is it because we don’t want Jesus to walk with us in our mess?  He might call something out, while we want to do everything our way - without help. We want the credit. Living life without partnering up with Jesus is a recipe for a joyless life. Every day, God sets up opportunities for you to live life as a fearless woman of God. And if Jesus is leading the way, you can’t miss them! But most days, we don’t even show up to open the door for Jesus. Somewhere on our journey, we lose hope, because God is not responding in the way we want him to.

Listen, there will be moments that consume your whole heart. Moments you wish you can make go away. Ready for another hard truth? If God allowed it to happen, there must be a purpose for it. The creator of the universe does not make decisions all willy-nilly. He is intentional.

Which takes us back to our friend, Jesus. There were moments during Jesus’ last days on earth, where he would have rather not go through any pain or suffering. He called out to God and said “ My God, My God, why have you abandoned me?’ - Matthew 27:46. In that moment, Jesus felt what we all have felt at some point – Abandoned by God.

Within seconds of feeling abandoned, Jesus thought about the will of God and how ultimately that moment of suffering, would lead the whole world to an opportunity of eternity, in paradise. Aren’t you proud to have a strong friend like Jesus?

What you believe to be God’s procrastination could really be God’s protection. Our human minds cannot comprehend God’s plan. It is a plan that extends his love over every soul. He is patient and plays the long game, so that no one shall perish. It’s a plan you can put your hope in.

In the meantime, you have Jesus to share this life full of joyous moments, and run to him when the unexplainable moments fall at your feet. He sacrificed his life, so that you can live a life of abundance, through him. There is nothing you can throw at Jesus that he won’t understand. He’s not going anywhere.

Jesus is a friend who not only laid down his life, for yours, but he is also a friend who keep his promises. He has promised to come back for you. In heaven, he creates a mansion for little ol’ you, where there will be no more illness, suffering or tears.

What does Jesus ask in return? To spread the good news of what is to come for those who believe in him, The True Friend.

May you continue to walk with Jesus hand in hand until your last day.

With all my love,

Alicia Eve Varela.