A Friend in Need

Today’s Scripture: Acts 28:15

 It had been one of those days. My phone had been ringing off the hook with problem after problem. This person called to complain about this. That person called to notify me about that. Every time I picked up the phone, it led to one more fire for me to put out.

I was frustrated, tired, and discouraged when my phone rang again. I started to throw it out of the window, when I saw the name on my caller I.D. It was a good friend of mine.

As I answered the phone, things changed immediately. My friend encouraged me, challenged me, and prayed for me. It was just what I needed in that moment. It was a divine appointment.

Paul knew what that was like.  In Acts 28, Paul had just arrived in Rome on his way to trial.  He had been through it all – imprisonment, shipwrecks, snakebites, and more.  I am sure Paul was tired, frustrated, and just plain discouraged. But then something happened. “And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage” (Acts 28:15).

As they say, “a friend in need is a friend indeed.”  Who is God calling you to be an encouragement to today?

Today’s Prayer: Father, thank you for the Christian friends you have placed in my life.  Help me to be a source of encouragement to the people around me.