If you watch college football, then you probably know that Bobby Bowden is under great scrutiny. Fans are upset because his team, the Florida State Seminoles, are off to one of their worst starts in school history. It’s amazing how quickly fans develop amnesia and jump off the bandwagon. Just a few years ago, Florida State dominated NCAA Division 1 football. Now, however, the victorious seasons are faint memories. I guess Bobby Bowden can attest, “Prosperity makes friends, adversity tries them” (Publilius Syrus).
Fortunately, there is a friend who is not “fair-weather,” one who sticks closer than a brother. In the text included with this email, at least 13 people (hence “they,” v. 1) arrived at the other side of the lake, but only one exhibited compassion toward a person in need. Jesus, our friend when others abandon us, got out of the boat (comfort zone) to help a man in a crisis. In a subtle way, Jesus was validating His word. His actions proved that He will never fail or leave us (see Hebrews 13:5).
Maybe the circumstance you’ve encountered is intentional. Maybe God is removing “dead weight” to prove to you that He is your “refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1, New Living Translation). You’ll never find a friend more faithful than Jesus, and if He’s for you, no one can be against you!