Purpose, Gifts, and Callingনমুনা

Callings and Relationships Sometimes in life, 'we don’t rise to the level of our gifts and potentials, we rise to the level of our relationships and systems.' Your gifts, potentials, and brilliance are not enough to fulfill God's call on your life; you need people and the right relationships. David was a man after God's own heart, but he wouldn't have ascended his throne without the help of Jonathan. Relational alignments are critical to living the life God intends for you. It is said, "If you want to go fast in life, go alone, but if you want to go far, go with people" but not just with any people, but the right kind of people. God's model for creation is interdependency. Who has what you need? Who knows what you need to know, and who has succeeded in the area of your calling? How can you leverage their experience to your advantage? Build strong relationships around people with similar calling as yours. At the age of twelve, Jesus was already sitting in the temple with the Rabbi, learning and asking questions; your association is often a preview of your destination.  Samson could have done more for God, he could have killed more Philistines before his premature death, but the relationships he kept were not in alignment with his purpose. Moses had a call to set the Israelites free from the land of bondage, but he was a stammerer (Exodus 4:10). However, his lack of eloquence did not invalidate his call. God gave him a helper, Aaron, who will speak on his behalf. Other people's gifts have to complement yours for you to succeed in your area of calling. Even Jesus needed twelve disciples to succeed in his ministry. Be selective of your association, and choose them unapologetically. It is not the number of friends you have that counts; it’s the quality and alignment of your relationships that matters. Prayer: Dear Lord, please give me the strength and wisdom to let go of toxic relationships. Send me the right people, dear Lord, and for the right ones I currently have, help me to nurture them. In Jesus' name. Amen.