Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith . . . 1 Peter 5:8-9a
Is it ever hard for you to figure out who is your friend and who is your enemy?
That was the situation for some remote British outposts in Africa during the opening days of World War I.
These outposts received this message: "War declared. Arrest all enemy aliens in your district."
The War Ministry got back this reply from one far-removed station. The reply read "We have arrested ten Germans, six Belgians, four Frenchmen, two Italians, three Austrians, and an American. Please advise immediately with whom we are at war."
Yes, sometimes it's difficult to know who are your friends and who are you enemies.
Indeed, some folks who are friends today may be our betrayers tomorrow. Some people may be loyal to us on Wednesday and forsake us on Thursday.
That's why there is reassurance for Christians to know that God is a constant, unchangeable Friend. He's not going to disappear or desert us when things get difficult.
On the contrary, He has -- through the life-giving sacrifice of the Savior -- shown us that He always wants to come closer to us.
Now, it's quite possible that you are feeling down today because a friend has betrayed you or disappointed you.
If so, I'd like you to meet my most faithful Friend: the Triune God. I hope you get to know Him well because He's a Friend who will always, and I mean always be there. He will never let you down.
From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, what a Friend we have in You! You are the One who is always there -- the One who always cares -- the One who always does what is right and best for us. May we rejoice in Your friendship and be thankful for the salvation which comes through the Christ. In His Name. Amen.
In Christ I remain His servant and yours,
Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker emeritus of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Today's Bible Readings: 2 Kings 10-12 James 4
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