True Friends

And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. (Job 42:10)
 

Thought For Today:
The Book of Job is very interesting. It's a book of hurt, misunderstanding, and even wisdom. Most of us understand what Job went through and how his so-called friends tried to get him to admit to something that he did not do. I suppose that's why Solomon urges us to make sure our friends truly love us at all times. Many people have referred to me as their friend and told others that I was their friend. However, it seemed like the friendship faded away if I did something they didn't like or disagreed with them. It appears that Job and his friends had an issue. However, the Bible states that God restored Job's fortune after he prayed for his friends. Can I ask you something? Are your current difficulties—whether it's pain, sickness, or depression—the result of not seeking forgiveness or praying for those whom you once considered friends but now disagree with? It's important to remember that God's ways are not the same as ours. It's amazing how God operates. Jesus said that if you know that your brother has something against you, then you should go to him and be reconciled. He didn't say to wait for your brother to come to you (Matthew 5:23-24). But really, if both know they have hurt the other and they both come, they will meet in the middle and be reconciled. Praying for others may not change them, but it will change us. God gave Job twice as much as he had before after he prayed for his friends; there is always a double portion and a double blessing when you forgive and pray for others.