Read
A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 17:17
Reflect
It’s kind of a miracle that America won its revolution against Great Britain. Yes, the Continentals had grit and determination, but they largely lacked military experience — at least compared to the British — and they were greatly outnumbered by the Redcoats. But what they did have was an unexpected ally who became instrumental in their victory.
The French didn’t necessarily love the Americans, but they hated the British. Even so, they were reluctant to get involved in another war in the colonies after losing the Seven Years War. But a young 19-year-old nobleman named Gilbert disagreed with the decrees of his king, and he spent his own money to buy a ship, supplies and munitions in order to join the American cause. Most people don’t know him by his given name, Gilbert du Motier — in America, he’s known better as the Marquis de Lafayette.
On July 27, 1777, Lafayette arrived in Philadelphia and offered to serve in the Continental Army for free. Because of his connections as a French aristocrat, and in spite of his lack of combat experience, Congress gave him an appointment as a major general. Though the position was meant to be ceremonial, Lafayette took his role very seriously. He was 25 years younger than General George Washington, but the two struck up an immediate friendship. In the next six years, Lafayette proved to be a natural on the battlefield. His leadership in battle was instrumental in achieving an American victory, as was his influence with the French government. He and Benjamin Franklin worked together to secure 6,000 French troops to join the revolutionary fight. It’s highly unlikely that America would have won the war without the assistance of Lafayette, who sacrificed a lot of money, years of his life and even his safety (he was shot in the leg at the Battle of Brandywine).
True friends reveal themselves in a number of ways. They’re trustworthy, dependable and loyal. They’re there when you need them most, and they stick with you through the best and worst of times. And they’re usually pretty hard to find. If you find one great friend like that in your lifetime, consider yourself rich. Outside of my wife and immediate family, I have perhaps two friends who fit that description. Unless you count Jesus. He sacrificed much more than time and money for me and for you. To give us a path to eternal life, He gave up Heaven and eventually His own life, and He’s still there for us today.
Today, don’t discount the importance of friendship. If you have a Lafayette in your life, make sure to give thanks for that person and to let them know how much they mean to you. And make sure you’re that kind of friend for them, too. But also make sure to remember Jesus on your list of closest friends. Tell Him how grateful you are for his dependability and friendship, and live this day in a way that is reflective of that gratitude.
Reflection copyright © 2022 Doug DeBolt.
Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
