Faith, Friendship, and Support in Life’s Valleys

Have you had questions about your faith or whether God was there? Did events happen in your life when you doubted God's presence or you got angry with God? Were there times when your faith got tested?

Those who attended our Seven24 event this past Wednesday were blessed to hear Dr. Bill Baer tell his personal story and share his faith journey. Bill's transparency was impactful, as many of us face hills and valleys as we journey through life. His story resonated with us as we think about those times when certain life events can draw us closer to God and others can make us question our faith. We suspect most of us have experienced this or will.

We believe God knew we would have feelings like this. He knows we are all living in a fallen world that has pain, illness, cancer, accidents, financial challenges, relationship issues, etc. When we confront these situations, what do we do? Do we run to God or from God? 

We hope that we turn toward God and not away from Him. We do not think He makes bad things happen, but He certainly will use them to help carry us through the storms of life and draw us closer to Him.   In those times when we have doubts, as hard as it is,  we must be vulnerable and let him in!

"God works for all things together for the good of those who love him" Romans 8:28 and, "I have said these things to you, that in Me, you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world."  John 16:33

Another key point from Bill's story is how friends can support us in our time of need. This made us think about how each of us could be that person.

"Some friends play at friendship, but a true friend sticks closer than one's nearest kin" Proverbs 18:24. Also, Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" John 15:13

Take a moment to reflect on each of these verses.     

God works through each of us to support friends in need, help our friends navigate tough times, and reflect and model his love to others when they need it most. As we have said often, He created us to be in a relationship with one another. 

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for times of adversity: Proverbs 17:17  

What does that look like when we play it out in real-time? Sometimes, that means just letting someone know you are there. Other times, it means reaching out and spending time with them as they navigate the range of emotions they are dealing with. Sometimes, it means being a safe harbor amid a storm. Sometimes, it means just listening while they process. Sometimes, it is just a phone call or note to let them know you care about and love them.

This takes courage on our part. Often, we are hesitant to take this step.   Our suggestion is to be bold and take the chance.   Listen to God, and if He says move, move.   You never know what impact you might have in helping that friend move to a better place. God may have you in that place – "just for a time like this."   Do not miss the opportunity.  

We hope those types of friendships will result as men build relationships with others. This is foundational to why we started Seven24. We think, as men, we all need friends like this.

Let's face it, guys, we will all hit bumps in life. We pray that when you do, you have a friend who will reach out and give you the support you need to draw closer to Christ and not run in the other direction. In return, we also pray that when you have a friend in need, you will not hesitate and will be that friend to reach out and support.

It could make all the difference to your friend's life and journey with Christ.