By Lindsay Mast
Synopsis: As Solomon affirmed, “Two are better than one. . .” (Eccl. 4:9-10). This is true, not only in running a physical race but also in our spiritual race.
“Sounds great, sign me up! When do we leave?”
It was the text I didn’t know I needed. I had a last-minute chance to join a team for an overnight relay that would be held three states away. They needed two people, so I reached out to a sweet young woman I know. Katy responded: “Let’s do it!”
I would’ve been fine to go alone. I’ve done it before. I’d have filled the 14-hour round trip with podcasts and lattes. I’d have met people and enjoyed our weekend as teammates. In the end, I’d feel accomplished—and have a new medal.
However, this time, having a friend along was an unexpected delight. Despite our twenty-five-year age gap, the weekend Katy and I spent together proved a point God has known all along: running the race is better with a friend.
Why is that so hard to admit? We barrel solo through so much. We refuse help. We may even experience jealousy of others who have a companion, yet we don’t make the call that would bless both of us!
Here are a few things the Bible says about friendship that might motivate us to call in some reinforcement.
The race Katy joined me on proved particularly difficult. We both needed help. The temperature soared to 95 degrees. Recent rains made the Kentucky mud deep and slick. We saw strong runners demoralized by the conditions. She messaged me from the course to say it was slow going. “Just stay upright,” I texted back. Meanwhile, her updates helped me prepare mentally for my turn.
In other little ways, we helped each other. I made dinner. She brought snacks. We made each other laugh.
Running the race with a Christan friend provides encouragement and companionship. We may have faith that we aren’t alone, but to experience a friend in the race is tangible proof of God’s faithfulness.
Katy may be young, but after excelling on a highly competitive cross-country team and running in brutal Florida heat, she’s mentally tough. Spiritually, she’s got a heart for evangelism, and I learn from her. I’ve got quite a few years on her, though, and for many matters, she turns to me. It’s never tit-for-tat, but having a Christian friend to whom you can confide matters. You can trust her guidance: when rooted in truth, it has your best eternal interests at heart.
When you tell a relay team captain you’re joining a race, and that you’re bringing a friend, you better mean it. Being down even one runner means lots of extra miles to cover. Yet, I knew if Katy committed, she’d show up and do her best.
That’s rare, though. It’s hard to find reliable people. Even well-meaning people often prove otherwise. Knowing your friend is reliable and will stay loyal is one characteristic that makes Christian friendship so sweet and special.
Time may test your friendship. You may have to sacrifice for them. Katy and I both stayed injury-free that weekend, but had one of us gotten hurt, I’d have stepped in for her, and I know she would do the same. Find a loyal friend. Be the loyal friend, too.
When you find friendship with a fellow child of God, guard it. Forgiveness and assuming best interests should be a hallmark of your relationship. Don’t believe gossip, but go to her directly. Too many friendships end because we believe a story that the other person could’ve easily cleared up.
Of course, no friend has ever been more helpful, loyal, forgiving, and loving than Jesus Christ. His sacrifice for us has even provided access to friendship with the Father. How Jesus cares for us should be the ultimate example of how we approach friendship. The blessings we receive—the laughter, the good times, the wise counsel, are all just an earthly sample of His care.
Running the race is hard. Doing it with a true friend makes it better. Search out someone who you can bless, and enjoy the gifts they have to give you in return. Make the call. Send the text. Share the run.
