As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Person Sharpens Another

It had been just over a month after I joined a new team in the company, when Debbie and I were in the kitchen pause area making coffee. We never really had a heart to heart conversation with each other until then. While we were chatting, she mentioned that her dad had passed on a month earlier. I could see and hear the sadness she felt. She was overcome with emotion and as the days and weeks followed we became good colleagues. Over the following 7 months she would randomly share the 'Word of God' with me and I would acknowledge what she said and, in return I would share the 'Thought of the Day' of the Guru I followed.

In the seventh month after joining the team our friendship began to blossom. I had a dream in which I heard the voice of our Lord, a few days later I had my second dream where Debbie was standing in front of me and a bright light shone above us. Not long after, I gave my heart to the Lord.

Now, I didn't belong to a church nor did I have any Christian friends that I was in contact with but Debbie I believe, was chosen by God to help me on my Christian journey. Little did I know that she would be one of the greatest blessings in my life. She began teaching me the Word of God, sharing scriptures and interpreting its meaning. She was patient and gentle with me and always listened before responding.

Back then I was new to the Christian faith so I had a lot of unanswered questions, and she would say 'Pray about it, God Will answer', or she would direct me to the ‘Word of God’. She consistently uses the ‘Word’ to correct or confirm my thinking and I am reminded of this scripture, ‘All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…(2 Timothy 3:16). As my faith in God grew deeper and deeper, my friendship with Debbie grew stronger and stronger. Over the years we laughed, cried, danced and praised God for His goodness.

It has been just over 12 years and the foundation of our friendship is built on respect, mutual understanding, honest conversations, compassion and trust. Our journey has evolved from, just being colleagues to friends, and now 'Sisters in Christ', '....there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24)'.

We do not work together any longer but we are very present in each other's lives. I believe God uses the workplace as one area to connect us. Our friendship was God's plan and it was a good plan and I thank God that our paths crossed!

God places people in our lives for many reasons and seasons, seasons of joy, sadness, celebration and most importantly to lead us to Him. When you look at the people God has placed in your life who is the one that leads you to Him?, and as Iron sharpens iron, who is sharpening you?