Bread Crumbs – Devotions for Life

Spiritual Friendship

Luke 1:56

Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. (NIV)

My Mom use to say, “Guest like fish stink after 3 days!”  

I wonder what Mary smelled like after spending 3 months with her pregnant older cousin?

I bet she came up smelling like roses!

Through out my ministry I have always been in a covenant group with other Christian friends.  These groups have met regularly for fellowship, bible study, conversation, and prayer. 

In each group we have formed spiritual friendships which hold us together as we go through our daily grind with its ups and downs.  I have been through some tough times, my spiritual friends were there every step of the way.  God has blessed me through them

Spiritual friendships – everyone one of us needs them – brothers and sisters who love the Lord and love us – brothers and sisters who will comfort us when afflicted and afflict us with God’s Word when we become comfortable in our sin.

Elizabeth had Mary, Mary had Elizabeth.  Both were gifts from God for each other.  

Elizabeth had someone to talked to since her husband Zacharias had been muted by God.  Mary was blessed by the counsel of the older and wiser Elizabeth.

Spiritual friendships are built intentionally.  Mary went off to Elizabeth’s, traveling over hill and dale to be with her.  She stayed more than 3 days and God blessed her.

Prayer:  Lord, I know I will run into someone today who needs a friend to listen, to pray, to counsel, to support, and to encourage with your love and Word.  Stop me in my tracks is I am tempted to run rather than to linger.  Amen.