The Faith of a Friend. | Romans 1:12

Life has its challenges. The Bible doesn't promise that our lives will be problem-free, but it does promise that God will be with us during the storm (Matthew 28:20; Joshua 1:9). There will be times when our faith is high, and we have no doubt that God will see us through. At other times, no matter how much we try, we can't shake the feelings of doubt and worry. That's when we need to lean on the faith of a friend.

When we just can't seem to gather the faith we need to combat fear and worry, the Bible says that we can borrow the faith of a friend.

"I want us to help each other with the faith we have. Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you." Romans 1:12

Having friends with faith is valuable in so many ways. For one, when your faith is low, they can speak words of truth and encouragement to you, to help you see the mountain through God's eyes and not your own. They can remind you of Scripture and the promises that God has made, such as:

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

"Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken." Psalm 55:22

"Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:31-34

Me and one of my friends with enough faith to borrow, Ashley.

These Scriptures are not just words -- they are truths. And while we know and remember them when our faith is high, sometimes it takes a friend with faith to remind us that God's word never fails.

But don't wait until you need the faith of a friend to get a friend who has faith.

Be honest with yourself. Do you have any friends that you can call on now who can speak the Word of God and truth into you as you weather a storm? Do you have a friend who has enough faith for you to borrow when you need it? If not, it's time to get some friends with faith.

I know, easier said than done. Start by going to God in prayer and asking him for it. Changing your environment also helps. Are you in places (in-person or virtually) where you are around people who talk and walk with the Lord? Not just church on Sunday, but how about mid-week service where the groups tend to be smaller? Or even Bible studies. You probably have an acquaintance already who is always posting on Instagram or Facebook about God. Reach out to them to see how they're doing. Invite them to coffee.

This may be making you cringe on the inside -- thinking of going out and finding friends (lol). But I can assure you, once you become the friend with faith, more friends with faith will gravitate toward you. What you are on the inside shows on the outside, and you will attract what you become.

Reflection Questions:

1. Do you have any friends with enough faith for you to borrow? If so, write down their names and check on them this week.

2. Are you a friend with enough faith to share? Why or why not?

3. What is one thing you believe God is telling you to change in your life? How do you know?