friends

I don't find it purely coincidental when something keeps appearing throughout my week. It's God. He'll bring something to my attention on Sunday, then I'll read it again on Tuesday. Or someone will bring it up on Thursday. I absolutely love it, well...most of the time anyways. 


This past Sunday, Pastor spoke about being a part of a team, having the right people surrounding you--two are better than one. Then this week my Bible study was on the topic of sin and where it begins. There was a statement made that said, "All rebellion begins with isolation."


I knew God was trying to tell me something. I began to think back to the times I was far from God and realized each time, one thing was consistent....I had isolated myself. 


Personally, when I am alone, my thoughts get the best of me. I begin to doubt myself, and my insecurities flare. I begin to feel lonely. Sometimes I get upset that no one's around, never mind that I pushed them away. It's inevitable that I become vulnerable and weak. That's when Satan attacks. 


You need people in your lives. People that hold you accountable. People that encourage and lift you up. My father always told me you need two types of friends: those who encourage you and those that you encourage.


If you are constantly pouring your life into the lives of others, you will quickly get burned out. If you are constantly sucking all the encouragement out of others for your own benefit, you will quickly have no friends. And if you have no friends, then you need to evaluate why. There needs to be a balance. 


Beth Moore says, "I want people in my life who love me enough to offend me if necessary and help me not to fall." And I believe you also need to be that kind of person for others as well. 


I suggest you take an inventory on those around you, and see which category they fit into. Do they encourage you or do you encourage them? Are both sides accounted for? Or have you isolated yourself and become vulnerable?