Dear Scott
Dear Scott,
My best friend of twenty plus years and I are planning on moving to another state and starting a business together. When I mentioned that when we take our trip there to look for our place to live, we should also be looking for a new church home, she stated she wouldn't be looking for a new church home and if one found her it was fine and if not she was still fine. Her response shocked me because we have both been God centered for most of our friendship. I was not expecting her response and my question is "Should I be concerned about what I see as a very important element to our success, God?”
Dear ANGEL,
What a perplexing yet interesting challenge you have facing yourself. Remember, your faith in God should never waiver, independent of how your friend may be feeling at the present time. Maybe she is overworked, stressed to a certain point, or even still, comfortable enough with her level of faith that finding a new Church Home does not seem to be all that relevant to her at this moment in time.
What is interesting to note is that when a person, any person for that matter, reaches a certain level of personal stress, they tend to move away from God when they should run towards God.
In reference to your question, "Should I be concerned about what I see as a very important element to our success, God?” I have this to say to you: Yes, God is a very important part of your success. He is a part of our world, our daily lives, our families and so on. When your friend is demonstrating what you perceive to be a lack of faith or importance in God, it may only be that she is feeling overwhelmed by the move to a new place, a new job, new acquaintances and so on. It is very possible that she responded to your query without even thinking much about it, already being so distracted by her other worries. I am very sure, that with the TLC in your friendship along with your faith in God, all will work out fine.
On the other hand, if she has lost faith, the mission here is not to condemn her, but, to hold her closer, listen to her, make her feel comfortable with who she is and let her present to you in her own time why she is feeling this way. Most of the time, the more we push someone to change, the more they push away from us and also in this case God.
You obviously know her well. This will help you know when the time is right to pose any questions regarding her faith in God which is the cement that has helped you both make decisions in the past.
You are the best kind of friend she could have right now because you actually care about her. Stay strong in your own faith, encourage her by example rather than by endless interrogation as to why she responded to you the way she did. Start by saying a prayer of Gratitude for how she has renewed her faith and importance in God. Being Grateful for something as if it has already happened is one of the best ways to show God your appreciation for Him and all that He has done and will do for us.
Walk with God, ANGEL. Remember, you do your part and He will do His.