When I first arrived on assignment, I was a little thrown off when I learned that I would have a roommate. Not that one wouldn't expect such given the DoD's frugality, but our work up stated private rooms. When I met Josh, I quickly learned why we were roomed together. We are both in the same program, same age, same home local, and we are both fathers to young boys. But there was a greater reason we were paired up: because God loves us.Through my time here, Josh has been an incredible "Battle Buddy." God has used each of us to encourage one another, share stress and frustrations, find the lighter side of military life, and even perform ministry ops together. On several outings, God has allowed our unique traits to begin conversations with others about Jesus and the Christian faith. One young recruit had just graduated Basic Training and was now on his way to his first duty station. He looked 'squared away,' but something was certainly unusual about this guy. Through Josh's incredible gently personality, he was able to get this young soldier to drop his guard and enter into a conversation with us. With his defenses down, we quickly learned that the brother was running from college and some other responsibilities. It was obvious that his decision to join the Army was a means of misdirection, and at this moment the Lord gave me the wisdom to minister to him there at the base food court. Encounters like this have been the 'norm' with my roommate and it reminds me of God's eternal truth - It is not good for man to be alone (Gen. 2).
Certainly this passage above is in direct reference to marriage, but the entirety of Scripture encourages its application to all aspects of life. Proverbs speaks of the importance of friends. In the Gospels we see Jesus always sending the disciples out 'by twos.' And, of course, the ministry of the resurrected Son is adoption into God's family - the Church.
Don't do life alone. Sure, it may seem easier, but you are actually making your life harder. We all need accountability, encouragement, and the joy of another. Pick you friends carefully, and allow for mutual investment. Pray for your friends, and enjoy the privileges they bring.
