Pray First.

“And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness’ —and he was called a friend of God.” 

James 2:23

Have you ever been a new kid at school? I haven’t, but my kids have, many times. I can only imagine those first days of school when they walked into the bustling cafeteria, got their lunch trays, then nervously scanned the room for a place to sit. Would it be best to find a quiet place alone? Or should I be bold enough to approach a table with other kids and plunge into a conversation? Will I feel more awkward than I already do? Will they laugh at me? Or, best yet, will they ask me to sit with them? Oh, to be invited to the table; what relief and joy that would bring.  

There is One who invites everyone to sit at His table, God. When Abraham was young and lived on his father’s land, God approached him with an invitation to sit at his table (to follow Him wherever he would lead, trusting and obeying). It was actually the beginning of a friendship. 

What a joy it is to have a good friend. Moving around in Army life put a bit of a damper on close friendships for me at times. Oh, I had friends, but some were more of an acquaintance; some were close for the duration of the assignment but fizzled after we moved apart, and a few have remained lifetime friends. I’m so grateful for these. I’m quite positive that some of the short-lived friendships were only that because of my lack of effort. It takes effort to develop and nurture a friendship.  

What sort of nurturing does it take to have a good close friend? In James’s letter to the disciples, we learn that Abraham was called a friend of God. Human friends are usually on more equal ground. Certainly, Abraham was not equal with God. God was the master of Abraham, leading him, providing for him, blessing him. Abraham served God, trusted God, and obeyed him. While Abraham and God were certainly not equals, we can still learn something from their relationship about friendship. 

First, someone must initiate the friendship, and the other must affirm it. In the case of Abraham and God, God initiated the friendship, and Abraham opened his heart to let God in. It’s as if God invited Abraham to come sit at His table, Abraham accepted the invitation, and poured them a cup of coffee. 

God also calls us to come follow Him, to sit at His table. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst,” (Jn 6:35 ESV). We have the choice to accept His invitation or decline it. 

Beginning a new friendship can be difficult and may mean stretching ourselves a little. We may need to consider getting out of our comfort zones. Maybe we could invite a new neighbor to come sit at our table and have a cup of coffee. Ask a new person to sit with us at church. And if someone extends an invitation to join them, be courageous and say yes. 

Developing a budding relationship into a long term friendship takes time spent together. After Abraham accepted God’s call to follow Him, God was with him the rest of his life. During his life’s journey they had many conversations and even shared a meal together (Gen 18:8). Abraham listened when God spoke and obeyed His commands. God also listened and heard when Abraham spoke; and He reminded and assured him of His promises and His presence. 

As we spend more time with a new friend, we begin to share deeper thoughts and beliefs with one another. We begin to share our past joys and struggles. The more we share, the more we trust and care for each other. Putting forth the effort to walk together and talk together makes for a lasting friendship. Before we know it, our families are having dinner together, taking vacations together, and praying for one another. 

Spending time with God in His word and in prayer draws us closer to Him. When we pray, he hears us. And when He speaks to us, we begin to hear him and recognize his voice. The more we choose to listen and obey, the closer we are to Him. And soon we realize we have a friend in God who is with us wherever we go.

Walking with each other through tough times builds trust and loyalty. As Abraham walked with God, and saw God keep His promises, he learned that God was trustworthy. Abraham went through some difficult challenges and God was always there with him. When we go through a difficult time and a friend is there with us, offering prayer and encouragement, that builds trust and loyalty. And the bond of friendship is stronger. 

When God invites us to follow Him and we accept his invitation, making Him our Lord, He will be there with us at all times like a dear close friend. In the difficult moments, we can trust that He sees us, that He cares for us, and that He is working for our good, even if it takes some time for us to realize it and believe it.  

Building a friendship may not always be easy. But when we take the steps to begin and develop a friendship, we receive immeasurable benefits. Friendships are always worth the effort. 

God invites us to come to His table, to begin a relationship with Him. He wants us to come follow Him and He wants to bless us, be present with us, spend time with us. When we say yes to Him when He calls, He will be with us wherever we go. He will guide us, comfort us, run to get us when we mess up, and he will redeem and restore us. God will be a friend like you’ve never had before. 

When you’re weary, when you’re hungry, when you’re thirsty, come to the table. There’s no one unwelcome here. Sit down and be set free.

Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Rev 3:20 ESV).

 

Worship Song: Come to the Table by Sidewalk Prophets

Find Tracy on Facebook at Tracy Fields Todd, Writer, and on Instagram at @tracyftodd.