I sat in the parking lot for hours, listening as my dear friend sobbed over her broken marriage. She was hurting, confused, and unsure of the future.

One week later, she listened to me pour out my heart in grief as I watched my child begin to walk the prodigal path. This time, I was the one hurting, confused, and unsure of the future.

I could not fix her marriage. She could not change the choices of my child.

What we could do was be there for one another in the midst of it all.

When Moses Needed His Friends: A Biblical Picture of Spiritual Friendship

I love the picture God gives us in Exodus 17. The Israelites had just left captivity. On top of all the difficulties that come with trying to survive in a barren desert, the Amalekites—an unrelenting enemy—pursued them. Moses told Joshua to choose some men and go fight while he stood on the hill with the staff of God.

“So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.” Exodus 17:10-13

I love that.

Why We Can’t Do Life Alone

I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t feel “steady” in the thick of battle…especially when I’m trying to do it on my own. Embarrassment, feelings of failure, not wanting to be a burden to others…these emotions often keep me isolated, left to fight my battle alone while trying to maintain the appearance of peace.

It is utterly exhausting.

But when I share that struggle with my trusted friends, my heart is steadied and my strength renewed.

What Christian Friendships Really Look Like

We all have battles to fight. And we all grow weary. That is why it is so important that we have friends to hold up our arms when our strength wanes. Friends that understand the battle before us and will give us a place to rest our weary bodies. Friends that will recognize when we are struggling and remind us of God’s faithfulness.

Spiritual friendships aren’t about fixing each other’s problems or having all the answers. They’re about showing up, holding space, and pointing each other back to Jesus when life feels overwhelming.

How to Build Deeper Spiritual Community

Don’t try to fight through this life alone. Be honest and open with your community. Let them see the battles you face so they can help strengthen you for the fight. Then do the same for them.

Trust me. It makes all the difference in the world.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” Hebrews 10:24-25

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✏️  AUTHOR CREDITS

This blog was written by the Mission Hills Church Women’s Ministry.