In the third century BC the Greek philosopher Ennuis penned the words, Amicus certus in re incerta, which translated means, A certain friend in uncertain times.
Some years ago when I left school, I went to work for an insurance company that was founded in 1849 with it’s motto, in Latin, Amicus certus in re incerta, which let people know that they would be a certain friend in uncertain times.

With this in mind, I have had more than a passing interest to discover that a number of leaders I have observed in the Bible were people who needed and were blessed with a certain friend in uncertain times.

The friendship of Jonathon and David was one of the most amazing friendships ever told. Jonathon’s very life was threatened because of his loyalty to David 1 Samuel 20:33; he went out of his way to help David find strength in God 1 Samuel 23:16.
Another great example of what it means to be a certain friend in uncertain times is that of Onesiphorus, with his frequent visits to Paul in a Roman jail.
“As you know, everyone from the province of Asia has deserted me – even Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited me and encouraged me. He was never ashamed of me because I was in chains. When he came to Rome, he searched everywhere until he found me. May the Lord show him special kindness on the day of Christ’s return. And then you will know very well how helpful he was in Ephesus.” 2 Timothy 1:15-18

What an amazing impact a certain friend can have in the life of a leader in uncertain times. Jonathon helped David find strength in God when David’s life was in danger and Onesiphorus often encouraged and refreshed Paul when he was in jail facing execution, knowing his departure was near. 2 Timothy 4:6
Both Jonathon and Onesiphorus are good examples of Solomon’s words that “a brother (or sister) is born for a time of adversity.”  Proverbs 17:17
Interestingly, the Greek meaning for Onesiphorus is “bringing profit” or “useful”. No wonder he received such a commendation from Paul.

I am writing this paper with the hope that the Lord may prompt certain people to respond to the demanding calling of being a source of strength and encouragement to a leader who is in a challenging and endangered situation. I also write to thank those who have been a certain friend in uncertain times to me in my life of leadership. This being the case, I list some of the  qualities that were displayed by Jonathon and Onesiphorus as they paid the price to come alongside David and Paul.

A certain friend in uncertain times is :-

• A CALLED PERSON : To come alongside of David and Paul was not a task for the faint hearted and not one to be taken with just a casual interest. I think of a personal prayer partner that served alongside of me through a critical season in my life. He came to me one day and shared how God had spoken to him about this calling and that he was willing to be available to pray for me 24/7 which he willingly fulfilled.
• A COURAGEOUS PERSON : Jonathon was prepared to risk his life for David in uncertain times. Onesiphorus was not ashamed of Paul’s chains, and in a time of great persecution of Christians in Rome, searched for Paul until he found him. Their loyalty to David and Paul was never in question as they courageously stood alongside of them in the most threatening of situations.
• AN AVAILABLE PERSON : A calling such as this is a high priority and not just a casual interest. A certain friend in uncertain times never knows when they may be required to help. I remember calling my prayer partner to prayer on occasions in the early hours of the morning and to pray until I called him back. In my article The Power and Priority of Prayer for Leaders, I list 6 reasons why leaders are in need of prayer. The Power and Priority of Prayer for Leaders | Rod Denton (roddentoneng.com.au)
• A GIFTED PERSON : As I think of the lives of Jonathon and Onesiphorus, certain giftings come to mind, including the gifts of intercession, encouragement, helps, giving and faith. These are some of the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit that are given to Christians to be able to be a blessing to the lives of leaders living in uncertain times.
• A SECURE PERSON : Jonathon and Onesiphorus had a heart to serve key leaders in uncertain times because they had learnt to find their deepest needs met in their relationship with God. That is why we can read that “Saul’s son Jonathon went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.” 1 Samuel 23:16
  A secure person is able to serve without recognition knowing that they will always have a heavenly audience watching and an eternal reward awaiting them.
• A FAITHFUL PERSON : Jonathon and Onesiphorus were reliable friends who could be depended upon, no matter when a need arose. Paul said of Onesiphorus that “he often visited me and encouraged me” even though he had to “search everywhere until he found me.” Faithful people never let difficult obstacles get in the way of the calling that has been entrusted to them.
• A LOYAL PERSON : A loyal person is a person who can be relied upon to defend you in your absence as well as in your presence. Jonathon was loyal to David even to the point of death when Saul, Jonathon’s father, was trying to kill him, he didn’t make David’s whereabouts known to him to protect him.

A PRAYER FOR LEADERS IN UNCERTAIN TIMES
Heavenly Father, I pray for leaders who live in uncertain times like David and Paul, that You will call certain friends like Jonathon and Onesiphorus to come alongside of them to selflessly and courageously serve them, to encourage them and help them find strength in God. Thank You for such people who recognise that they have been born for a time of adversity and bless them as they stand alone that they may be a blessing to those they serve. And Lord, speak to those who read this article that many may be prepared by Your Spirit to be a certain friend to a leader living in uncertain times.