Jana Thurber – Denver, Colorado … Many of us have been greatly blessed over the years by making friends within the church. Godly friendships formed out of fellowship, discipleship, outreach, Bible studies, or common interests that meet our soul’s deep needs.
While walking this earth, Jesus modeled His necessity for such associations with close friends. The friendships he formed helped refresh Him in His work between times of ministering to the needs of so many.
A good place to form or fortify friendships is at our annual RMC Women’s Ministries Retreat. It is a time for women to join with each other to be renewed through fellowship, encouraged through God’s word, and laugh a little with other women of faith as we unwind from the stress of everyday life.
The general session speaker for this year’s retreat, Dr. Yami Bazan, will be sharing Biblical insights on God’s surprises in the book of Ruth by uncovering hidden gems on love and relationships. We will explore questions such as What clues has God left behind to guide our way forward? What are practical ways to implement Godly ideals in building better friendships? And can those in the past relate to my present circumstance?
One of our attendees from last year’s RMC Women’s Ministries Retreat, Karen Warnick, shared her personal experience how God has blessed her in the church with friendships:
Over twenty years ago, at the time I met my friend, I was not attending a Seventh-day Adventist church, I was just going to a Bible Study. It was a few years later that I joined the church.
My friend and I shared similar interests and backgrounds and enjoyed being together. As time went on, we drew closer by sharing ideas, experiences, and became prayer partners. We studied God’s Word together and attended church. Through God’s goodness, we traveled as much as time would allow and enjoying each other’s company. We saw each other through many joys and sorrows of everyday life.
Then one day, she and I had a silly disagreement, and she decided not to be friends with me. There was no communication, and I never even saw her in town. It was like she just disappeared. That was the saddest and most painful situation I ever had to endure. I wasn’t angry, and I didn’t blame God. I just felt gut-wrenching grief. I bowed before God, and I poured out my heart to Him.
God promises He will never leave us or forsake us (Heb. 13:5). He is always right beside us. I desperately sought His Peace (John 14:27), His Peace that passes all understanding. I prayed that we would be friends again.
After a year of no communication, and through God’s wonderful plan for our lives, we saw each in a shop and sat down to talk. Through forgiveness and reconciliation, God restored our relationship.
In the middle of all this, the Lord brought someone into my life I hadn’t seen for six years, and what a blessing it was to have her in my life! God is so full of mercy and love! Not only have my friend and I been reconciled, but my other friend and I are now enjoying a fulfilling friendship too. God is so good!
So, if you are struggling with a friendship, don’t give up. Give it all to God, draw close to Him, and know He is in control. He knows your heart.
This year’s RMC Women’s Ministry Retreat will be held at Glacier View Ranch September 29-October 1, 2023. Join us to build and renew the blessing that is friendship. I invite you to click here for more information and to register for this year’s retreat. We hope to see you there.
—Jana Thurber is the RMC women’s ministries and prayer ministries director as well as pastoral spouse support. Photos supplied.
