Want to hear the full episode about unleashing your purpose? CLICK HERE to listen to this content in Episode 42 of the Create Some Breathing Room podcast!
The idea of living in your purpose can feel scary and overwhelming, right? It just sounds BIG. Yes, God does have a purpose for you in this life – but he didn’t call you to do it all alone! Today, I want to discuss why friendships matter, where to find them, and how they help us live in our God-given purpose.
The Importance of Accountability
You need people who will provide grace & understanding, while also pushing you to live intentionally. Keeping the other person accountable in their actions is part of what makes a great friend.
I shared two examples of this in the podcast episode – one from pop culture and one from the bible. Hop over and listen if you want to hear more about each of these!
- In the Wizard of Oz, we see so many examples of companionship, guidance, and support from the four main characters. The Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion each play their part, enabling Dorothy to overcome challenges on their journey to Oz. In turn, Dorothy helps each of them develop and discover aspects of themselves they thought were missing. Lessons are learned, goals are achieved, and (spoiler alert!) they all live happily ever after.
- In chapters 3 & 4 of the book of Exodus, Moses is called to lead. His response shows how scared and hesitant he feels: “Who am I? What if…? But, Lord, …” God reassures him & tells him his brother Aaron will go with him to speak for him. That’s just the beginning of the support Moses receives – don’t miss this epic scene in chapter 17 of Exodus!
“So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill.As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.”
Exodus 17:10-13 NIV
Take a moment to consider: Who are your people? Who in the midst of the hardest circumstances would stand there and hold up your hands for you? Can you see them in your mind? Or are you wishing you had them in your life?
Where to Find Your People
There are different types of friendships. I’m sure by now you know that some people are friends for a season, in a certain place, or because you have something in common. Maybe you have kids that are the same age, or maybe you’re in a book group together. It’s also easier to connect with people when you attend the same church or work together.
Wherever you are and whatever the situation, keep an eye out for the people who can walk with you. God is faithful, and He will provide! You just have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone a bit to connect with someone else and form that relationship.
Going Below the Surface
Once you’ve stepped out of your comfort zone and made that connection with someone, it’s important to go deeper than surface-level conversations. There is so much value in deeper connections and meaningful friendships. Remember, these are the people who could be holding your hands up for you!
I’ve got two more examples for you (with a deeper dive over on the podcast!):
- In the book of Ruth, we get to see a deep bond of loyalty and support between Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi. The first chapter alone demonstrates how meaningful relationships like this can shape our journey.
“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”
Ruth 1:16-17 NIV
- In The Lord of the Rings, there are so many diverse and interconnected friendships. Each member contributes to their group’s shared mission, and individually, deeper friendships are formed. They support each other in different ways based on their different strengths and skills.
Unleash Your Purpose
The idea of living in your God-given purpose can feel scary and overwhelming. Seek out friends who will provide accountability, the friends who will provide grace & understanding while also pushing you to live intentionally. Remember there are different types of friendships, and we can find them in lots of different places. Look for people who can walk with you – God will provide! Be willing to step out of your comfort zone to connect. Don’t forget the importance of deep connections and meaningful friendships while on this journey to fulfill your purpose. Relationships become so rich and blessed when we’re willing to go deeper and know each other beyond that surface level.
If you’re looking for someone to walk with you, or you need some encouragement to get started and step out of your comfort zone, I’m here for that! I love going on these walks with women just like you, we can get started with a free Coffee Chat.
If you’re ready to jump right into coaching to start living in your purpose, I’m here for that, too.
And if you have the friends that we’ve been talking about here, then praise God! Literally take a moment, and say a prayer to thank God for those people in your life. What a blessing!
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