Can God Use Others to Make Us Better?

Is it hard for you receive feedback from others?

Guess what, I have the perfect

solution….practice. Being in relationship with others does just the trick.

Are you an introvert? Did God tell you that or is that just what feels comfortable?

Well let me tell you, I enjoy alone time, in fact, I have no issue being by myself, but I’m still called to be in relationship with others. What that looks like for my life may be different than what it would look like for yours and that’s okay. Just know though, God has not called us to live this life alone.

As someone who battles with pushing others away especially in the tough times, I challenge you to push past your comfort zone with me.

There are so many wonderful things waiting out there, including God’s love illustrated through relationship with others.

As they get to know you and vice versa you will begin to see the areas for which God has given them a grace to speak into your life. For example, I have an awesome new friend who is absolutely amazing at challenging me dig deeper...into the parts of me that I don’t want to see or better yet feel! However, there is an amount of peace I get when she challenges me. Since we are in relationship I get to see her growth when I challenge her perspective on things. There is a raport that is built up as we both give and take in our relationship. Her receiving what I have to say and valuing my words, gives me a desire to do the same. I have begun to trust her voice more and more, in my life as a result. And that’s just one of the many relationships God has blessed you me with.

There are people who are able to teach and correct me without me even blinking. There are others who bring a sense of comfort and love through the words spoken over my sadness and dispair. There are yet others who can speak to my personal relationship with God, in particular when I am further away from Him than I ought to be. Those are just a few of the relationships God has blessed me with.

Now, I’ll admit I’m not the best at fostering relationships, in fact I’m pretty bad about reaching out. But even in that, God has surrounded me with wonderful people who extend grace...yes grace, to me and my shortcomings! It actually blows my mind when I think about it, especially in situations when I have:

acted less than myself......grace

ignored calls or texts........grace

not called or texted…......grace

failed promises.….……....grace

canceled plans....….….....grace

misjudged...…….……......grace

lied….….….….……...…...grace

The list goes on!

God gave them that grace for me and I’m beyond grateful for it. Now, do I mess up, of course! Is repentance and reconciliation required, most times! But having received that grace causes my heart to begin to change in such a way that I desire to be honest with them, to apologize, to be more forthcoming, to ask for forgiveness, and to allow God to dig up the root of the behavior and make me better!

I’m just grateful to have people in my life that have allowed me the room to mess up and become better.

I’m still not the best but I’m getting better. Want to know how? By being in relationship with people who care more about me fulfilling God’s plan for my life, than my feelings! That means they tell me the truth, extend grace, pray over me, and reach out when needed even if I’m not receptive at the moment.

So let me ask you, who are you in relationship with? Nobody?

I would encourage you to go to God in prayer asking him to reveal who these people are...you might be surprised at who he brings to your memory. Remember they aren’t there to make your life a walk in the park and sometimes they challenge you in the most uncomfortable ways!

So let me ask again, who has God called you to walk out life with and are you extending that same grace to them that you are desiring?