“I don’t want to move… That means I have to make new friends again… I am tired of having to make new friends…” I sobbed to my husband as we got ready to leave another duty station. Some people who know me may find this surprising. Those who are close to me know this one thing… I HATE change. I LOVE routine. I am one of the most shy extroverts you will ever meet.

Can anyone else relate? Setting up a new home, learning a new town, making new friends, finding a new church home all while trying to make sure your family is adjusting can be hard. It is not impossible though. With God all things are possible… but sometimes it can all seem like too much.

It can feel lonely too. As believers we are told throughout Scripture we are never alone but sometimes in the middle of a move it can feel like you are. I remember sitting one morning just crying because I was lonely in this new place. It usually takes me six months to even remotely meet people because I lie to myself almost every move saying I do not need friends. Friends, God designed us for community.

The difference I have found between civilian life and military life is that civilians can take years to build deep relationships. Military families try to build them in weeks because we have to get roots quickly in order to survive this life. The military member jumps right in as we navigate this new season.

Community is something we all need in this life. I see the Father of Lies telling us more now than ever that we are good by ourselves. Where is this in Scripture? Jesus did life with people. He loved people. He showed up for people.

If you are in the middle of a move and you are believing the lies that you do not need community when you get where you are going may I challenge you? Go outside and meet your neighbors. Bring the cookies to the neighbors that move in a week after you. It does not matter if you are new. Yes that means letting people in to your mess. We all have messes. Like I tell my girls you only need one friend. God will always send you one.

Are you willing to put yourself out there to meet that one? My husband reminded me after I got done saying I don’t need friends, “you need a friend, you do not do well without community” Community and friendship is God’s design for us.

I came home a few weeks ago to my new home and my husband surprised me with my “friendship” wall to remind me God will always meet me where we move… If you are thinking God won’t send a friend, I ask you to rebuke the Father of Lies and put yourself out there like Jesus did meeting people knowing he would be hurt by those close to him but also be loved by many as well. He will meet you and strengthen you.