“…I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide…”
John 15: 15-16

I am not alone! Before I accepted Jesus as my lord and savior I felt that way.

As I grew up, youngest child of 5, my siblings left one by one. Then my father left, leaving just my mother and me. I felt I was alone in the world and had to look out for myself. We were raised with a religious base. At the time, I knew the religion; but not a personal relationship with God.

I could make acquaintances easily but it was harder to make lasting friendships because I knew that people would leave and I would lose another important person in my life. It didn’t work to try to cover it up with parties or keeping busy. The world had only temporary answers and I was still lonely and incomplete. Church and a relationship with God were the furthest things from my mind. I got married at a young age. We had 2 children, but with divorce I was alone again.

God had other plans for me and He allowed me to meet Paulette. When we dated, I knew, because I knew that she was God’s chosen for me. I followed her back into the church and we took a Christian pre-marriage course. When it was explained how marriage is a 3 way contract between a man, woman and God, I finally understood. I know Jesus is real! I finally accepted Jesus into my heart. Through a continuing refining process and God’s grace, I have come to know and love Jesus as my friend. Paulette and I celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary this year and I celebrate my friendship with Jesus every day.

Prayer: Dear Father God, may you grant us the grace to daily open our hearts to our friend, Jesus. Amen.