faith unfaded

There was a time when isolation crept in quietly and stayed too long. Living in a rural area with little fellowship, my soul began to dry up. It wasn’t that I had abandoned my faith, but without people around me who could encourage, sharpen, and walk alongside me, I felt the loneliness in my bones. God never designed us to do this life alone.

Since moving back home, He’s poured blessing after blessing into my life through people. Old friendships have been rekindled, new friendships have blossomed. I’ve met people from all walks of life in my hometown community, and family is once again nearby.

The Bible speaks often of the gift of friendship. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17). I’ve learned the truth of that verse—my walk with God is stronger because of the people He has placed in my path.

When I was isolated, I could only lean on my own strength, and it wasn’t enough. But now, surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ, I feel strengthened, encouraged, and uplifted.

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 tells us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” I know now what it feels like to fall without anyone nearby. And I know the joy of having hands extended to lift me back up.

My life is full and rich today because of the people in it. God, in His kindness, restored to me what isolation had stolen: community, companionship, fellowship. Each conversation, each shared prayer, each laugh across a table is a reminder that this is the way He intended us to live—rooted in Him, but connected deeply to one another.

Friendship is not a side blessing; it’s a vital part of the abundant life Jesus promised.

Maybe you’ve been feeling isolated, or maybe you’ve been so busy you haven’t made space for fellowship. I encourage you to take that step: join a Bible study, call an old friend, or simply invite someone for coffee. Let the Lord use others to strengthen you, and let Him use you to strengthen someone else. The richness I’ve found in friendship is available to all who are willing to open their hearts and lives.