Nudges When Needed
Theme of the Week: Friends on Purpose
James Hilt
Monday, January 19, 2004
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: Share each other's troubles and problems (Galatians 6:2). Bonus Reading:Proverbs 17:17; 20:6
Dan and I have been friends for nearly 20 years. We meet regularly for breakfast to share about our faith, families, sports … what's happening in our lives.
Recently, Dan, a solid guy with a solid faith, said, "I saw my doctor this week. He said indicators show I have a 25 percent chance of having prostate cancer."
"Have you set up an appointment for a biopsy to find out?" I asked. Dan said he was undecided about taking the test, adding that he'd heard disturbing reports about it.
"Dan," I said, "I encourage you to take the test. If it comes back negative, you'll be relieved. But if it comes back positive, you'll be better placed to deal with it." After a period of silence, I continued, "Mind if I call you until you set up an appointment?"
"No, stay on top of it."
Several days later, I asked Dan if he'd made an appointment. He hadn't, so I asked him if he could set it up by the next Friday. He answered "yes."
Friday afternoon, I called Dan. He said he'd made the appointment and would get back to me with the results. Days later he called with obvious relief: "It's negative." We celebrated.
—James Hilt, a counselor
My Response: Do I invest regular time and energy in my friendships?
Thought to Apply: A friend is—a push when you've stopped; a word when you're lonely; a guide when you're searching; a smile when you're sad; a song when you're glad. —Charlie "Tremendous" Jones (insurance agent, speaker)
Copyright © 2004 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
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Thank you, Father, for the gift of true friends. Help me to value my friendships and keep them in good repair.
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