Chosen by God!

I was asked a very good question about friends:

Have you ever found that you have friends in your life, but realize that you have outgrown them? If so, how did you deal with that?

Maybe you’ve had this question also. As we’re looking at 2016, making goals, we know our relationships are important. I hope this answer helps you.

When common interests change the relationship can naturally change - we spend less time together, make less of an effort to be together, don't talk as much, etc. It can die a slow death, so to speak. My husband says it this way, "You're still my friend, you're just my different friend." That truly explains it.

When I got married, and experienced other life events (being ordained, becoming a Pastor, etc.), my friendship circle changed. Sometimes life events cause those changes naturally. Sometimes the Holy Spirit causes the changes, when we listen and cooperate with Him.

We do have to prune, just like He does. We have to remember that everyone isn't intended to be a part of our entire journey, but many are. We have to recognize seasons, who are a part of them, and what they are teaching us. Our relationships should be built on:

"As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion]." (Proverbs 27:17 AMP)

I'm not saying people are expendable based on what they can do for us. What I am saying is, relationships require agreement. Dark and light cannot exist together. Also, people matter. Just because a relationship changes our love and concern for them should not.

This is some of the criteria we use when evaluating our inner circle:

"Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?" (Amos 3:3 NLT)

"And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand." (Mark 3:25 NKJV)

I'm not saying we need to be carbon copies but we must have agreement on what's important in life. Our inner circle should sharpen us, challenge us to be better, not cause us to stumble and fall. Plants are pruned to keep them healthy and to help them to continue to grow. Relationships need that same attention for the same reasons.

Be Encouraged! ❤

Leisa Wilkins Ministries

"Encouraging and Empowering you to become who God created you to be, God's Masterpiece, a Divine Original!"