Captured Opportunity – A Final Conversation

“If I make it through this alive, continue to be my covenant friend. And if I die, keep the covenant friendship with my family – forever….Jonathan repeated his pledge of love and friendship for David.” 1 Samuel 20:16-17 MSG

It’s a strange sensation, thinking back to Tonya’s last week here on earth, like remembering a vivid dream. I recall every text message and phone conversation, but there is one memory for which I will be forever grateful – our last conversation face to face.

No one knew that morning at church that we had so few days left with her on this side of heaven, but looking back now I realize that Tonya sensed something. Though weak and weary, she did not want to miss the opportunity God was giving us both as we sat on the front row together that Sunday. Before the service even began, as I leaned in with my arm around her, she looked me straight in the eye with deep sincerity and told me three things I will never forget: how much she appreciated all I had done for her, that I was the best friend she’d ever known, and that she loved me.

I knew then this moment was a gift from God. It was important for us to share our feelings, bear our hearts, and leave nothing unsaid. In turn, I told her I loved her dearly, and that I would always be there for her and her family. I went on to reassure her that whatever small deeds I had done, she had returned to me more than tenfold. The conversation continued for just a few moments more, but the tears and sentiments we shared would bring a sense of completion for us both. The lesson I learned that day changed my life.

Captured opportunities culminate into a life without regrets.

If we walk daily in the Spirit, we can be confident that God will prompt us when He leads us straight into an opportunity. Our job is to seize it, and for Tonya and me, I am so glad we did.

Simply Scripture:

“Jonathan said, “Go in peace! The two of us have vowed friendship in God’s name, saying, ‘God will be the bond between me and you, and between my children and your children forever!’” 1 Samuel 20:42

Is there an opportunity that you and a friend “captured” together? Would you be willing to share it with us? Click on the link to comment!

“By the time David had finished reporting to Saul, Jonathan was deeply impressed with David – an immediate bond was forged between them. He became totally committed to David. From that point on he would be David’s number-one advocate and friend.” 1 Samuel 18:1 MSG

“Stage four cancer… in the lymph nodes, chest, abdomen, and groin.” The words hit me like a two-by-four across the rib cage. Breathing was suddenly a struggle. If my husband had not been there to hold me, I would not have been able to stand. But the doctor’s report came not for me or my husband; it was for my friend. My first thoughts, I’m ashamed to say, were selfish.

“I can’t do this without her.”

Frustrating, exhausting, yet unbelievably rewarding, she and I run this crazy marathon called ministry together. We laugh. We cry. We laugh some more. She offers me a helping hand as we scale mountains, and I give her a gentle nudge as we trudge through valleys.

“I can’t do this without her.”

Then, as quickly as the thought came, it now makes an abrupt turn from me to her….and her family. Her son is the same age as my G-man. He will need us for much more than the usual sleep-overs and carpools. This is it - the moment where a decision must be made. Will I be a “write a birthday message on your Facebook timeline” friend, or a “no deed is to great” friend?

“Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.” Proverbs 18:24 MSG

God’s desire for us regarding friendship is clear. A true friend is equivalent to a family member, and we are all bound together as one family when we are born again as sons and daughters of the Creator of the universe. In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes this point when he says to his disciples, “Here are my mother and brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:50

As we live our lives striving to become the solid, unwavering friends Christ wants us to be, will we be willing when we reach that life-changing, path-altering moment that comes without warning? My decision has been made. I am willing.

Whatever help she needs, I will remember…

“But it was good that you helped me when I needed help.” Phil. 4:14

Wherever we must venture together, I will be sure of this promise…

“And surely I am with you always…” Matt. 28:20

Whenever I need to be there to support, I will bravely comply…

“And when he (Elisha) had called her, she stood before him.” 2 Kings 4:12

Whatever, wherever, whenever. No deed is too great. I am willing, for she is my friend.

Think about the friendships God has forged in your life today. Is your desire to be a covenant friend? Have you drifted into a shallower sea of instant messages, ignored texts, or put-off promises? Join me for the remainder of this series on friendship, as I walk through lessons learned from our Greatest Advocate and Friend.

Would you be willing to share something God has taught you about friendship? Please click on the link to comment!