A Faithful Friend

Bible Reading: Hebrews 13:5-8

“Want to come over to my house on Saturday, Ryleigh?” asked Nora, looking hopefully at her friend as they walked out of the school building.

“Can’t! I’m going to Finley’s house with some of the other cheerleaders.” Ryleigh gave Nora a quick smile and hurried away.

Nora felt a familiar knot in her stomach, and hot tears pricked her eyelids. Ever since Ryleigh started cheerleading, she hasn’t had time for me, she thought. Shouldering her backpack, she trudged toward home in the light, cold rain that was falling.

A car slowed down beside Nora and stopped. She glanced up and saw her mom rolling the window down. “Hi, honey. Want a ride home?” Nora hopped in, threw her backpack in the back seat, and gave the door a loud slam. “You look like you lost your best friend,” Mom said.

“I feel like I have. Ever since Ryleigh became a cheerleader, she hardly talks to me anymore. She spends all her time with the other cheerleaders, and they never ask me to join them at lunch or anything.” Nora struggled to hold back tears. “I feel like I haven’t got a friend left in the whole world.”

“Oh, Nora,” said Mom, “you have lots of other friends at school.”

“Well, maybe,” Nora replied, “but I’ve lost my best friend.”

“Actually,” said Mom, “your best friend is right here in the car with you.”

“What?” In surprise, Nora glanced toward the back seat and then at her mom. “Oh, you mean you,” she said. “Thanks, Mom. You’re great, but I still miss Ryleigh.”

Mom laughed. “Actually, I meant Jesus! He’ll always stay with you, even if other friends leave. I know it hurts having Ryleigh treat you this way, but when you feel lonely, remember that you can depend on Jesus, okay?”

“I’ll try,” said Nora, “but it’s kinda hard.”

“I know,” said Mom, “but He is your most faithful friend. He loves you very much—enough to die on a cross so you could have eternal life with Him! He doesn’t change from day to day, and His love for you will always stay the same. He will never leave you.” Susan Zimmerman

How About You?

Do you have faithful friends? They provide companionship and fun, don’t they? But they can’t always be with you—and sometimes they may treat you badly. Jesus is a friend you can always depend on. You can talk to Him in prayer anytime to tell Him how you feel or ask Him for wisdom and guidance. He loves you and will always be there for you.

Today’s Key Verse:
Hebrews 13:5 For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Jesus is your best friend