Can This Be Said About You?

Luke 22:28 - "You are those who have stood by Me in My trials;…" NASU 

• Jesus' Farewell Discourse 

Jesus has just broken bread with His disciples. He has informed them that one of the twelve who was sitting at the table with them was going to betray Him.
 
They didn't know who it was, but Jesus knew. It would be Judas. A name that is now synonymous with one who is a traitor. Judas has excused himself from the group and Jesus is sitting with the eleven disciples when He says these words, "You are those who have stood by Me in My trials…" 

• Who Comes To Your Mind As You Read Those Words? 

I am sure that we all have been through some type of trial. It may have been medical, loss of a loved one, criminal charges or a financial loss of everything. If you were at the end of your life, who would you be able to say to, "You have stood by me during my trials."
 
Do you have a picture of your close friend(s) in your mind? You know right now it doesn't matter what would happen to you day or night this person would be there for you. You might want to send them this devotion and tell them you know that whatever would happen to you you know they would be there for you. Tell them now while you can. 

• My Dad Said This… 

Forty-two years ago I was arrested on a drug charge. My dad would say months later it was one of the best things that happened in his life.
 
The first time he said it I wasn't sure where he was going with that statement. Then he finished by saying, "People who your mom and I thought were our friends vanished. They were no where to be found and our true friends became even closer to us during this time." 

• Trials Have A Way Of Being A Blessing 

If you are like me you would really like to know who your true friends are. Well, know this you might have to go through some type of trial to bring your real friends closer and chase your acquaintances away. 

• When Do You Need Some One The Most? 

When is it that we need our friends the most? Honestly, we need them when we are going through a tough time, or when we are struggling in life with life.
 
Just to have some one listen to what we are saying and encourage us that they will be with us all the way through to the end.
 
Are you someone's back to back brother or sister?
 
A person who is your back to back brother/sister is one who is there with you when you are in a fight. That person is saying I will make sure no one else jumps into this fight and I will protect your back from anyone who tries to help your enemy. Now get in there and win so we can go and celebrate.  

• Can This Be Said About You? 

We all know what it feels like to put our trust in someone only to have them bail out on us. So listen to me don't be that type of person. If you have bailed on one of your friends in the past you need to make it right. You need to man up or woman up and make it right.
 
You need to be there for your friends. You don't want people to betray you. Then you should not betray your friends. Don't be the kind of friend who says, "I would love to help you out, which way did you come in?"

Think on These:
 
A real friend will tell you your faults in times of prosperity, and will assist you with his hand and heart in times of adversity.

The best recipe for making friends is be one yourself.

Stay Pumped,

Gary A. Serago

Minister of God's Word