Well, I was planning to publish my post on Blogging with Christian Women Online, but it will not publish…Maybe later today – I hope…But please do still visit the group blog, because there are some great posts to read by my fellow bloggers…
As I have mentioned before, I am reading this year Oswald Chambers’ “My Utmost For His Highest”. I know that this devotional probably is in your collection for years. But don’t forget, I was raised in the Lutheran denomination :wink:. Anyway, yesterday’s devotion hit right between the eyes…
“Our soul’s personal history with God is often an account of the death of our heroes. Over and over again God has to remove our friends to put Himself in their place, and that is when we falter, fail, and become discouraged…” (read the entire devotion here).
Well, now! Is that why we have friends only for a certain season in our life. I am not saying that friends have to die, but maybe our relationships die. We go in different directions…What are your thoughts on that? Please do share…
Have a blessed day and find strength in Him :razz:.
That’s an interesting quote, Iris. I do believe it’s true that He will step in and create situations that prevent us from depending on people more than we depend on Him for … whatever. Friendship, included. I can testify!
Oh, Iris, I think I’ve been living proof of this statement over the years and particularly through the last few years. God has been working on me to depend on Him and Him alone and hopefully I’ve finally passed this test as He has also brought a new friend into my life of late that has been a blessing. Interesting aren’t they, the seasons of our friendships!?
So glad you’re enjoying Oswald Chambers. His thoughts run deep many times, but always bless me and cause me to move towards God even more. I do think there comes a time when we find ourselves all alone in the world, struggling with issues, and not a friend can be found. I’ve experienced the pain of losing friendships–some moved, some died, some drifted. The reasons for the loss were never as important as God’s purpose for me *in* the loss….to lean on Him instead. We become so dependent on others sometimes, (and He does want to bless us through friendships) but it’s not surprising when He chooses to isolate us for a season, in order to get us alone with Him.
This is a very poignant quote. I’ve discovered that the problem with friendships is that human beings are fallible. People have let me down royally, and that was so shocking the first few times it happened. Betrayal is excruciating. (And yes, I do betray others too.)
I think when we’re younger, we idealize people–especially those who are closest to us–our parents, or a significant other. When we’re betrayed, suddenly the person topples from their pedestal, and we see them for who they really are: sinful, but still lovable. It’s only then that we’re squashed enough to discover the perfection and beauty of Jesus Christ. Only He can fulfill that idealized vision of humanity that we crave! Isn’t it interesting that the word “idealize” is very similar to “idolize?” Other relationships can and do become our idols. An excellent post Iris, and good food for thought!
I LOVE your blog name!!! Very original!!
I found you through the Blogs of Beauty and I really like your blog!!!
Keep up the good work!!
His,
Mrs. U
http://www.makingahouseahome.blogspot.com
I agree that relationships die. I think we may not always understand why – but even tho we think it’s not good, it is.