Day 78: Difficult Times Reveal Authentic Friends

Proverbs 19:7

The poor are shunned by all their relatives—how much more do their friends avoid them!

Principle

During difficult times you discover true friendships.

I have lived long enough to see that every man goes through difficult times. In fact, I read a lot of biographies and have found a common thread in the stories of great men – they all have faced challenging seasons. The lessons they learned during their trials and seasons are what they value most and unselfishly pass on to those interested in their story.

One of the most surprising and disappointing truths discovered during a downturn in life is the retreat of those considered valuable friends. If you want to discover authentic friends – go through a difficult time – you will see many people whom you trusted run to the exits.

You will also be able to make a list of those who proved true.

Recently, a man that I had recommended to a job sent me a note of thanks – he said, “When I went through the most challenging period of my life, others stopped calling me, I had nothing to offer them. However, you started calling me.”

Make no mistake about it – everyone faces a blow-up in life – it’s during these times that you will make two lists – those who ran to the exits and those who ran to help you and encourage you.

Remember:

Take note of those who walk away during tough times. Click To Tweet

Read Proverbs Chapter 19


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2 Comments

  1. Doug Stewart on March 19, 2014 at 9:14 am

    Great post Neil. It easy for us men to live in the illusion that successful people don’t fail… I have found my failures to be the best teachers, a platform for ministry, and to your point, a great way to recognize my best friends.



  2. Neil Kennedy on March 19, 2014 at 5:46 pm

    Thanks for sharing.