A friend loves at all times, and a brother in trouble (Proverbs 17:17)
The Old Testament characters Job and Daniel have many similarities. Both of them experienced various trials and tough challenges. However, both of them also had great success thanks to God's presence in their lives. Both are seen as giants of the faith, one because of his patience to endure suffering, and the other because of his holiness in the midst of an unclean culture.
Job and Daniel have another thing in common, which is that they each have three meaningful friends. However, their similarities end here. Job's friends became thorns in his flesh. They actually blame him when he needs compassion and support. At a time when Job struggled with loss and grief, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar seemed to tend to add to his pain rather than give help in his afflictions.
Daniel's three friends are very different. When they were arrested together, Daniel and his friends; Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego supported and strengthened each other in these difficult times. They stand together to honor God (Daniel 1) and pray (2: 17,18), and refuse to worship the king's image (3: 16-18). Friends like these are what we need!
So, what kind of friend am I? Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loves all the time." Who needs you to be his best friend today? -WEC
A TRUE FRIEND IS LIKE A SUPPORT
FOR THE WALL THAT TRIED
*) Take From Daily Meditation