Someone to Lean On

Acts 18:1-3 (NIV)  After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.

Aquila and Priscilla became friends with Paul.  Later in the chapter we read how the couple accompanied Paul to Syria. They had their faith in common as well as their tent-making trade. This would be a good place to stop and think about our own walk and those we encounter along the way.

What a blessing to have friends. Friends who share your faith and your passion for living out the Gospel.  Some of us could share interesting stories about these friendships and how they developed. I did not always have friends, now I am amazed at the change these people made in my life. I was content to be alone, to almost live in seclusion.

God was changing me and he used people to help.  Lots of people.  Christian co-workers influenced my new walk.  The heart change that took place over the course of a few years is due to their example and testimony. Following my husband's death, I moved away to a secluded place, to be alone.  The alone part helped me to heal, but the deep seated Christian friendships that had developed over the years called me back.

Paul needed the companionship of Aquila and his wife, as well as other believers.  They supported each other in prayer and daily living.  When things got rough, when the crowds would gather and threaten, there was safety in numbers.  If not safety, at least a sense of community.  That is a lot.  When our lives get tough, it is the same for us. We need the support of friends.