When Friendships Fade: Finding Strength in God’s Word
Growing up, we all thought at some point that our friends in elementary school would be our lifelong friends. Hello, adulthood! Part of growing up is realizing that your close friend group changes as you mature.
Having Christian friends comes with certain benefits that every Christian female needs: a person to pray with, study the Bible with and someone who will keep you accountable. So, what happens when that person stops being your friend?
A few years ago, I had a friend with whom I did all of the above together. I cared deeply for her and was always ready to listen to whatever problem she encountered. I thought for sure she would be that friend, the one who was the bridesmaid at my wedding and the aunt to my children. Not long after, she moved, and her circle of influence changed. We kept in touch until her number changed, so I would send emails until I spoke with her on social media. Our friendship ended without an explanation or goodbye. And your girl is still unmarried and without children; talk
about a turn of events!
Naomi was the mother-in-law of Ruth and Orpah. The three women lost their husbands, and Naomi lost her two sons. They were struck with grief, but Naomi more so than the others. Naomi needed support at this time, though she tried to push away the only support she had left. As the three women set out to leave Moab for Judah, Naomi told her daughters-in-law to return to their parents.
“And again they wept together, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye. But Ruth clung tightly to Naomi.” Ruth 1:14 NLT. Though persistent for some time, Orpah left, but Ruth stayed with Naomi. Orpah’s season of journeying with Naomi had just come to an end. As much as we would like it to be, not everyone is meant to journey with us through all of life’s seasons. Maybe you are saying to yourself, at least Naomi got a goodbye, but what about friendships that end overnight with no explanation? As heartbreaking as it can be to lose a friend you thought would
journey with you, you must learn to let them go without resentment, knowing “There is a time for everything” Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT.
Embrace the stripping away of friends you thought would journey with you through life’s seasons. What we fail to see when we are hurt is God’s protection and direction. God is guiding you, and if He allowed someone to leave your life, trust that His guidance is the best. God did not leave Naomi without company; Ruth was there. Sometimes, we focus so much on those who left that we fail to see those who stayed and are still journeying with us. Learn to recognize the Ruths in life, those committed to journeying with you even through life’s most difficult seasons. Never be so far in the past, focusing on what was, that you do not see the blessings God gave you now.
I would like to hear your testimony of fading friendships.
Your Grow With Me Sister,
-Denovia McKenzie