TOPIC: *HOW TO FIND THE RELATIONSHIPS THAT YOU NEED IN YOUR LIFE 1*
BIBLE REF: Genesis 2:18, Galatians 6:2, Exodus 18:14-15, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
*An Important Invitation*
_Friendships._ We all know we need them, but if we’re honest, they can be really difficult. We all have this image of having the perfect friendships like you’d see on a sitcom, and we’ve all experienced FOMO when you see a group of friends hanging out in the perfect Instagram photo while you’re sitting alone eating ice cream in your pajamas at 8:30pm.
But as difficult as it can be to find friends, it’s important to fight for relationships. We have to push through the fear of what might go wrong and let go of previous hurts that make it difficult for us to be vulnerable. To make it even harder, many of us live in cultures where independence is celebrated.
While there’s nothing wrong with being independent, *we’re also created to depend on God and others. And when we don’t, we can end up feeling lonely, isolated, and overwhelmed.*
It’s not hard to argue that loneliness is not from God–in fact, *loneliness was the very first thing God considered “not good.”*
The Lord God said, “‘It is not good for man to be alone. ...” Genesis 2:18 NIV
Yet, we’re living in one of the most isolated periods of our time. So why is it difficult to find people to do life with?
Take a moment to consider any hesitations you have when it comes to building relationships with others. Is it a fear of rejection? Is it the lie that you’re better off alone?
*Deep relationships are something everyone craves, but very few people achieve.* Perhaps it’s because nobody really teaches you how to make friends in school.
_But God’s Word is packed with wisdom that we can take with us as we courageously decide to start investing in the relationships around us—and maybe even the ones you’ve wanted to start._
Having friends starts with the boldness to invite someone into your life—whether it’s a friend, mentor, or family member. If the idea of this makes you cringe, think of it as a mutually beneficial gift that ensures both of you have someone to talk to about things going on in your lives.
*Over the next week, we’ll look at the relationships everyone needs in their life and discover that relationships are worth the work they require.*
*Pray:* _Heavenly Father, I believe that You have created me for relationships. I know why it’s important to have people around me to do life with, but I struggle with the “how.” I fear _______ _when it comes to relationships. Give me the boldness to take a step toward deeper friendships. In Jesus’ name, amen._
*Challenge:* Is there a person you work with, someone you’ve seen around at church, or someone you’ve seen regularly at your favorite coffee shop? Take time this week to start a conversation with them. What’s the worst that could happen?
... Please Stay Tuned For Continuation
MARRIAGE HEALING DEVOTIONAL, SERIES 12 PART 2
TOPIC: *HOW TO FIND THE RELATIONSHIPS THAT YOU NEED IN YOUR LIFE 2*
BIBLE REF: Acts 16:1-6, Phillippians 2:19-24, Proverbs 13:20, James 1:5, Proverbs 11:14
*The Path to Wisdom*
_Pastor Craig Groeschel says, “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.”_ So, pause for a second and think about this: *Do you like the way your future looks?*
What if you are one relationship away from changing your answer? What if you began strategically picking friends that have the future that you want?
Okay, enough big questions. Let’s talk about mentoring, why it’s important, and how to start that relationship.
*When you think about the future you want—your career, family, marriage, relationship with Jesus—can you think of some people who model what you hope to have?*
It’s likely these individuals have worked hard and learned difficult lessons to get where they currently are. Most of the time, if you asked them, they would do anything to share the knowledge they have now with their younger selves.
While they can’t go back in time, they can share their wisdom and experience with you.
We can all benefit from a mentoring relationship because the Bible promises that those who seek wisdom will find it, *and when you walk with the wise, you also will become wise.*
If you aren’t sure who you want as a mentor, consider a specific area of your life that you would like to grow in. Then, look around at the people in your life. Who is someone who excels in that area?
*In the New Testament, Paul was a mentor to Timothy*. When their paths crossed in Acts 16, their mentoring relationship began. From the beginning of their time together, Paul taught Timothy how to share the gospel, preparing him to one day lead on his own.
As you pursue a mentor, keep in mind that any initial discomfort you feel about asking them is worth the long-term growth you will experience in your faith and your life as a result.
*Pray*: _Heavenly Father, You are my greatest teacher, and I know that You have placed other people around me as teachers too. I know that Your wisdom is promised to me—I just have to ask. So, help me push through any hesitations I have in asking someone to mentor me so that I can experience more of Your wisdom. In Jesus’ name, amen._
*Challenge:* If you don’t currently have a mentor, think about someone you might ask. It doesn’t have to be a committal relationship. Maybe it starts by just asking them out to coffee with a few questions. If you do have a mentor—whether it was formal or not—reach out to them to say thank you for the ways they’ve impacted your life.
... Please Stay Tuned For Continuation
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