Build a strong relational network
You may face many battles in 2022. The Bible warns us, “‘These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation…’” Yikes, I feel like that’s more bad news than I can take today, but I’m comforted by the promise that follows: “‘...but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.’” (John 16:33, NKJV)
friend, we don’t follow a defeated king. We follow and serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Wow! Somebody should be shouting right now!
I’ll never forget the day when I experienced real joy and real victory. I was preaching in an all-black church, and I wasn’t ready for the response to my message. All of a sudden, Sister Blue stood up, shouted, and started dancing around the room. Before long, others joined her and couldn’t help but praise God with the dance!
It reminded me of King David dancing before the ark of the covenant: “Then David danced before the LORD with all his might…” (2 Samuel 6:14, NKJV).
friend, my church is multicultural and multilingual, but there isn’t the freedom I saw that Sunday. Is it a cultural thing, a denominational expectation, or an unspoken set of religious rules? I’m really not sure, but I wish that I were that free. Perhaps the big takeaway from these experiences is that I need people in my life who are different from me. The Bible says that “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28, NKJV)
Could it be that you need to expand your life experience a bit? Maybe you should broaden your circle of friends and acquaintances. I’m a firm believer in creating a circle of friends, advisers, and counselors in life. I vow to be their friend, and they vow to be mine. The Bible says, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14, NKJV)
The older I get, the more I realize my need for other people with different perspectives. I need African Americans, Latinos, Asians, Greeks, and Middle Easterners. I seek counselors, coaches, professionals, and experts to help me become a better person and bear much fruit. I also want to serve them and add value to their lives.
Shouldn’t we all seek to develop win-win relationships in 2022? It’s a new opportunity to build a strong relational team that will be mutual and rewarding. I know God wants to help you find your tribe and become a miracle to others. I’m praying that you will set this as a new goal because you will become a miracle. And I love you more than the starry sky.
