“Hey Sis. – do you have a moment to chat?” This was my inquiry to a good friend and accountability partner that I don’t get to talk to often, but when we do – the times are rich. I was tired and a bit discouraged – in need of a likeminded sister. Initially, I was going to text her first to ask if she was busy, that’s the way we 21stcentury humans wart off possible rejection. But instead, I plunged right in and made the call.
I put aside all small talk and told my friend that I needed to process something. She was working in her kitchen when I called, but I was blessed with what she said next. “Hold on, let me go somewhere quiet without distraction so that I can give you my full attention.”
As I poured out my tale of woe, she listened intently, without interruption. When I finished, she showered me with empathy and assured me that she had heard me. In fact, being similar in age and life circumstance, she had times where she struggled with the same issue of sleeplessness and discouragement.
Her kindness and attention made room for the Holy Spirit to speak through her and bring me deep refreshment. I was still tired, but I was deeply encouraged. Her compassion stimulated deep worship, not just born of discipline, but rich sincere worship stimulated by deep affirmation and attending. From time to time (not all of the time), we all need someone who is committed to giving us undivided attention. We all have the need to be known in the deepest regions of our souls.
Elizabeth and Mary
This reminds me of the story of Elizabeth and Mary. Mary was a young woman who was told by an angel that she was going to give birth to a child without ever being intimate with a man. As a young woman, this could have seriously ruined her reputation. But the Lord in his faithfulness provided for her a parallel companion in Elizabeth.
39 Now at this time Mary arose and hurried to the hill country,
to a city of Judah (Judea), 40 and she entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.
41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, her baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered by Him.
Luke 1:39-41
Spirit Empowered Friendship
Elizabeth was empowered by the Holy Spirit to encourage Mary. These two ladies were related, but the bond was deeper…Elizabeth allowed herself to be used by God to confirm what the angel of the Lord had spoken. Mary was so encouraged by Elizabeth’s affirmation, that it prompted deep worship in Mary called “The Magnificat”. (The song of Mary)
Do you have a friend that inspires you to worship? A friend that does not just tell you what you want to hear, but rather reminds you of who you are in Christ. A person of deep sincerity and wisdom that will listen well and point you back to God? If not – Pray. Ask God, who is my Elizabeth? Watch for God as he unfolds for you your faith–FULL friend.
