In life, we all face giants. These aren’t literal nine-foot Goliaths, but rather the seemingly insurmountable challenges that loom large in our path. Perhaps you’ve already conquered some giants in your life – medical issues that seemed hopeless but led to healing, relational breakthroughs where there was once only heartbreak, or financial walls that came tumbling down through faithful stewardship.
But here’s the sobering truth: just because one giant falls doesn’t mean there aren’t more waiting in the wings. As followers of Christ, we must be prepared for the fights that follow our victories. So how do we ready ourselves? The answer lies in finding the right friends for the journey ahead.
The story of David and Jonathan in the Bible offers profound insights into the power of true friendship in the face of adversity. After David’s famous triumph over Goliath, he was brought into King Saul’s service. It was here that he formed an immediate and powerful bond with Jonathan, the king’s son.
1 Samuel 18:1 tells us: “After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David.” This wasn’t just a casual friendship; it was a covenant relationship. The scripture describes their love as one where Jonathan loved David “as his own soul.”
As David’s military successes grew, so did King Saul’s jealousy and paranoia. Saul, tormented by an evil spirit, began to see David as a threat to his throne. He made multiple attempts on David’s life, even throwing spears at him in fits of rage. In this hostile environment, the friendship between David and Jonathan became a lifeline.
From their example, we can glean several key qualities of the friends we need for life’s toughest battles:
1. They fight smarter, not harder: Jonathan used his position as the king’s son to gather intelligence and protect David. He didn’t engage in futile confrontations with his father but leveraged his insider status to keep his friend safe. True friends know how to navigate difficult situations with wisdom and strategy.
2. They put themselves last: Despite being the heir apparent to the throne, Jonathan never showed jealousy towards David’s rising star. He recognized God’s hand on David’s life and supported his friend’s destiny, even when it meant letting go of his own claim to power. Real friends celebrate your success without feeling threatened by it.
3. They keep their promises: David and Jonathan made solemn vows to each other, promising loyalty not just between themselves but extending to future generations. Years later, after both Saul and Jonathan had died, David sought out Jonathan’s disabled son, Mephibosheth, to show him kindness. He declared, “Don’t be afraid, for I intend to show kindness to you because of my promise to your father, Jonathan” (2 Samuel 9:7). Authentic friendships are built on kept promises, even when circumstances change dramatically.
These qualities paint a beautiful picture of friendship, but they also present a challenge. If we want friends like David and Jonathan, we must be willing to embody these traits ourselves. It’s not enough to seek out such friends; we must become that kind of friend to others.
So how do we cultivate these deep, lasting friendships? Here are some practical insights:
1. Embrace a spirit of service: Jesus modeled this when He washed His disciples’ feet, instructing them to do the same for one another (John 13). True friendship involves getting your hands dirty, metaphorically speaking, and being willing to serve even in the messiest situations of life.
2. Practice forgiveness: Long-lasting friendships require a commitment to forgiveness. You can’t hold onto grudges from years past and expect your relationship to thrive. Be quick to forgive and even quicker to seek forgiveness when you’ve wronged a friend.
3. Be prepared for the long haul: Deep friendships aren’t formed overnight. They require time, shared experiences, and a willingness to walk through life’s ups and downs together. Put on your metaphorical walking shoes and be ready for a journey.
4. Center your friendship on faith: The book of Ecclesiastes speaks of a “cord of three strands” that is not easily broken. In the context of friendship, we can see this as you, your friend, and God forming an unbreakable bond. When Christ is at the center of your relationships, you have a solid foundation that can weather any storm.
It’s crucial to remember that we all have an enemy in this life – not each other, but the adversary who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. This enemy hates us with an intensity beyond our comprehension. However, we face this opposition from a position of victory, knowing that Jesus has already conquered death, hell, and the grave.
In light of this spiritual reality, having friends who will stand with you in the fight becomes even more vital. These are the people who will remind you of God’s promises when doubt creeps in, who will pray for you when you’re too weary to form the words yourself, and who will celebrate with you when victory comes.
As you reflect on your own life and relationships, ask yourself: Do I have friends for the fight that follows? Am I being that kind of friend to others? If the answer is no, take heart. It’s never too late to start cultivating these deep, meaningful connections.
Begin by opening your heart to serve others selflessly. Practice forgiveness, even when it’s difficult. Commit to walking alongside people through the long and sometimes messy journey of life. And above all, center your friendships on a shared faith in Christ.
Remember, the giants in your life – whether they’re fears, challenges, or seemingly impossible situations – don’t stand a chance when you face them with true friends by your side and God in your corner. So take courage, reach out, and start building those friendships that will carry you through whatever battles lie ahead. Your fighting chance awaits!