Friendships are like towers, although they can grow into something strong, magnificent and reach incredible heights, they are still vulnerable to fall. Sometimes waiting for the perfect friendship God wants for you is just as important as waiting for the spouse God has for you. I now have both.
It's important to let Him shape you into the person you are supposed to be before you dive into any relationship. Expectations are a trap for disappointment and you cannot change anyone. Nobody is perfect, I'm not perfect, my friends aren't perfect and neither is my husband but I am blessed with them all in my life because God is perfect. Letting Him lead you is more powerful than trying to make friends with everyone. I have many acquaintances, yes. But as far as my closest relationships go, they are all equally yolked, prayer warriors, find strength in their own gifted ways or experiences, love no matter what, give or take what is necessary and believe they are beautiful just the way they are. Most of all they were given to me by a Lord who loves me. They don't gossip or put down any stranger we come across but touch those with love. We don't pressure people to believe in Christ, we welcome everyone in our presence as if they were a sibling. Most of all they were given to me by a Lord who loves me which I am continually thanking Him for. That's how it's supposed to be. Going to a lunch or exchanging numbers does not mean they're your best friend. It takes time and an open heart to love someone as they are and being there for them.
Something my husband and I have realized is that God will place temporary relationships or friendships in front of you for a specific purpose. It may be for just positive reinforcement, maybe it's because God wanted them to see what he is doing in your life or just maybe you are supposed to influence them in some kind of way. This has happened to us in numerous circumstances. The beauty in it is that you have a moment to change a life. We have learned to embrace our connections but don't set high expectations on it. You can hit it off with someone and not be best friends the rest of your life. It's just the way God designed it.
Your friends mold you and influence us in powerful ways. God made us that way so that we could conquer His plan as a whole. All of our plans have something in common and that is to share His love amongst everyone in the world. So be careful who you call 'best friend' opposed to an acquaintance. You can have more than one and even a few lifetime accountability/advice attributers but more than 5 is a little absurd. Why? Because life happens, people move, they assume or judge, get married, choose to grow instead of stay the same... and so on. If you've notice that your choices of friendship in someone has helped them but still brought you down. Then move on by letting God handle it and staying busy with others who uplift you. Otherwise you'll end up hurting someone because you can't be there for multiple people. Like myself, I have a husband and family to care for before anyone else. You can't plan a day with multiple friendly meet ups and expect that everyone one of those people will be there for you forever. Expect seasons because even yours is bound to change. God might not have them going with you. Friendship is quality time not collecting a quantity of people to only see your good side or befriend you just to like your Facebook status. Let God determine your limit, not you. He could care less who followed you rather than someone following your example for chasing after Him. At the end of the day it's about the relationship and not about friend collecting for popularity and thinking everyone wants to be your follower. If you keep God first, He will continue to be an anchor in your life. He will be there to hold you close when nobody else is able and give you the love that no friendship can ever give. My friends are strong but what happens when they're weak? What happens if my husbands weak? Or even my family! I'm surround by towers of influence but only God holds me down. That is why He is my anchor and on His solid rock I will continue to stand amongst the surrounding sinking sands.
