Encouragement for Today

March 18, 2024 The One Kind of Friend We All Need To Have — and To Be JENNIFER DUKES LEE Lee en español

“… since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” Luke 1:3-4 (NIV)

As I look back on life, I recall moments when I wasn’t sure if I fully believed that God was who He said He was.

Those moments unfolded in hospitals, in cemeteries, and in my own bed when my crying kept me awake. I quickly forgot the truth I had previously learned — and wholeheartedly believed — about God’s faithfulness.

My forgetfulness happened frequently enough that I made up a term for it: “re-forgetting.” And when I re-forgot what I knew about God, I needed someone else to help me “re-remember.”

When we are at our lowest, we all need someone to remind us that what we learned about God on the mountaintop is still true in the valley.

Today, I want to be that kind of friend to you. Maybe you are in a “re-forgetting” kind of place. Let’s look to the Gospel of Luke to re-remember.

Did you know this particular Gospel was written as a personal letter from one friend to another? Luke was writing to his good pal Theophilus. He told his buddy, essentially, “Look, I’m going to write down all the details about Jesus’ life, in a really orderly way, because I want you to know that this stuff is actually true.”

He wrote this in Luke 1:4: “so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”

I have needed a friend like Luke many times.

A friend who will help me when I have gospel amnesia.

A friend who will remind me that what Jesus did is more than a cool story; it is a revolutionary turning of the tables, redeeming all the brokenness in the world — and in my life.

Luke was that kind of friend to Theophilus. And we can be those kinds of friends to each other.

Today, maybe you’re heartbroken. Maybe what you were taught about Jesus doesn’t feel as true as it once did.

No matter your circumstances, let Luke remind you of “the certainty of the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:4). And this is the certainty: Jesus is the real deal.

The Bible, including the Gospel of Luke, is the powerful reminder we all need that what we first believed is actually, truly real. Jesus didn't abandon us in our pain; He jumped right down into it. He entered into every sorrow, every mess, every hard thing we're facing. And He loves us so very dearly through all of it.

And as Luke will tell you … you can be certain of that.

Dear God, surround me with friends who can help me re-remember the things I have re-forgotten. Help me to be that kind of friend too. Thank You for Luke as an example of helping others know the certainty of things we’ve been taught about You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

One way to help you re-remember what you re-forget is to write down the truth in a journal. Jennifer’s journal Stuff I’d Only Tell God is a great starting point to help you put pen to paper, recounting God’s faithfulness.

You asked … and we listened! Lysa TerKeurst, Jim Cress and Dr. Joel Muddamalle are spending an entire season on the Therapy & Theology podcast answering YOUR most asked questions from the countless emails, comments and DMs they’ve received. They’ll answer: How do I combat intrusive thoughts? As a Christian, how do I respond when my family is split politically? How do I talk about divorce with my kids? and more! Start listening here!

ENGAGE

Jennifer offers a powerful teaching, based on her Stuff I’d Only Tell God journal, in this episode of The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast. Listen here today!

Let’s be friends, like Luke and Theophilus! Jennifer would love to connect with you on Instagram.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

1 Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect …” (NIV).

As this verse from 1 Peter suggests, we can help each other know that Jesus is going to come through. When have you needed to know that recently? Or when have you been able to offer that kind of hope to someone else?

We’d love to hear your answers today! Share in the comments.

© 2024 by Jennifer Dukes Lee. All rights reserved.