A Lifeline in Turbulent Waters
As I reflect on my childhood, one memory stands out as a turning point. I was just 10 years old, riding my bike along a winding path that hugged the bank of a rapidly flowing river. In an instant, I lost control and plunged into the churning water, my bike tangled beneath me. Panic set in as I flailed about, crying out to my older brother, “Help, I’m drowning!” But instead of panic, he responded with an eerie calmness, shouting back, “Stand up!” It was then that I realized I had drifted into shallower waters. Mortified, I did as he said, and his simple command likely saved my life.
The Power of Human Connection
This experience taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of relationships in our lives. In Genesis, God declares, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him” (Genesis 2:18). This fundamental truth is echoed in the New Testament, where we’re encouraged to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…” (Hebrews 10:24-25). Jesus himself modeled the transformative power of relationships, even in uncomfortable situations.
Who Needs Your Lifeline?
But let’s flip the question around. Who in your life needs your words of encouragement, your calm guidance, or your truth-telling? I still need people in my life who will speak life-giving words, just as my brother did that day. We all need friends, mentors, or sometimes strangers who will offer clarity and direction when we’re struggling.
The Courage to Speak and Receive
Are you stuck in a situation where you desperately need the clear words of a good friend? Perhaps you’re hesitant to engage in those uncomfortable conversations that are ultimately necessary for growth. I confess that I often desire comfort and avoid those tough talks. But I also desire God’s wisdom and strength to speak and receive words that bring life and save lives. May we intentionally act “as iron sharpening iron” with a godly combination of grace and truth! Amen.
Leave a Reply