Friendships have been something that have challenged me for many years of my life. People always gave up on me. They never wanted to stick around for too long. I could never understand why, and always questioned what it was about me that put people off. For a long period of time, I didn’t really have people that I felt I could call friends. I spent so much time over the years praying into this.
At a very challenging time last year, I cried out to God in sadness, praying that something would shift; that He would deepen current connections, and bring about kingdom friendships I so desired, guiding me to establish these. To bring people into my life that wanted to be friends with me. People who loved the Lord. People who were going to make an effort, and put in the time and energy. People that I could grow in my faith with, and serve alongside. People to laugh with. People I could do life with. I remember writing down ‘strong Christian friendships’ as one of my prayers on my Fasting Week card at the end of last year, hoping and praying that this would finally come to pass.
Now, half way through 2023, I am reflecting on the fact that God has been so very faithful in answering exactly what I’ve been praying for all these years. For bringing the shift. Through being part of Re:Hope church, He has helped me to create stronger and deeper connections with people, and establish new friendships also. This has come in so many unexpected ways, but I can also see that it has come in His perfect timing. God had already prepared the way in this area of my life, but He was spending these years preparing me.
I am so incredibly joyful and thankful for the amazing people at Re:Hope that I get to call my friends. Friends that are not going to come and go. Friends I know that will stick around not for just a season, like all the others, but for a lifetime.
‘I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.’ Psalm 9:1
Cassidy Fourie
Re:Hope Southside
As you think of your friendships (or relationships generally), is there a specific prayer that comes to mind? Ask God to move in this area of your life today!