As a young girl, I had a ton of imaginary friends. These imaginary friends were people I trusted, and I told them everything. They were always with me and when I got in trouble, they were right there with me. Even though no one could see them, I always knew they were on my side. As I got older, however, I realized that they weren’t real. It was about the time that I had matured and realized this, that I discovered someone who is very much real. This someone is by my side always, and he is there to lend a helping hand. I can tell him all of my problems and he will be there to help me fix them, and when I need him most, he is right there beside me, holding my hand. You have probably already guessed who I am writing about. This person is Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b

Jesus makes this promise at the end of Matthew, just as he is about to ascend back into heaven. This is his last words to his disciples while on earth, and he uses them to tell us that he will always be with us. This shows just how much he wanted us to know how much he cares. If you ever feel alone, cling onto this verse. For me, it gives me so much confidence and hope knowing that the literal son of God, is standing by my side, lending me his strength. When I no longer have faith in myself, I can have faith in him.

“And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives, and the one who seeks, finds, and to the who knocks, it will be opened.” Luke 11:9-10

Jesus is reaching out to you and he is waiting for you to do the same. Jesus loves you and wants a relationship with you. All you need do is reach for him. He is asking you to knock. He is asking you to ask. He is asking you to seek him out. You won’t have to look awfully hard though. Back in March, my family went through extremely hard times. My father had a heart attack, the day before my birthday and he died. They were able to resuscitate him, but he had a long road of recovery. When this happened, I was trying to look inside myself for the strength to get through this, all the while, missing Jesus who was standing right in front of me with his outstretched hand. After some time, I realized that I didn’t have the strength to push through this, but I did know someone who did. I finally looked up and saw Jesus reaching and I grasped his hand. He pulled, not just me, but my entire family, including my dad, back up and we were able to lean on him as he gave us his strength. My dad has made a full recovery and I am so grateful to have him with me. Which wouldn’t have been possible without my friend.

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

This verse reminds us that because we have Christ living inside of us and protecting us, we need to remember that we need to live for Christ. Jesus gave his life for us, so we should do the same. After my dad’s accident, I came to the realization that I can’t get through life just relying on myself. I needed to lean on Jesus for strength. I have held onto this knowledge since then and have never felt stronger and more assured in my abilities as a Christian Woman. Remember Philippians 4:13, a verse we all should know, says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”. Jesus is our not-so imaginary friend that will stand by our side through our hardships. He is a friend we can always lean on and pour our heart out to. Remember to trust in him and he can pull you out of whatever hardships you are in and he will give you the strength to push through it.

 

By McKenzi Henson