It’s Not For Everybody
Your path is just that "your" path. Not everyone with whom you associate can go with you on your path and your journey. Everyone is not built the same way that you have been built, for the same purposes that you have been built. They've not had the same experiences or even reactions to similar experiences. Regardless of how much you love them, how similar your interests are, how similar your upbringing, or how long you've known them they are not you. We have a tendency to hold on to people after their season in our lives has ended. We often expect behaviors, input, outcomes, insight, and knowledge from them that is particular to our purpose and calling. And, we get disappointed when they cannot live up to what we are asking. There's a simple solution....
It's not for everybody, it's for you.
In the book of Acts 15:36-41, there is much of the story of the friendship of Paul and Barnabas. They are friends, co-workers, church-planters, and they have a very interesting story within their relationship. They started several ministries (churches) and projects together. They ministered together and often traveled together. But, they had to go their separate ways. It's not that they didn't love each other, but as humans do from time to time, they had contentious moments... a disagreement. And guess what, the quarrel was about doing God's work. That's right, they fought about the ministry team. Sound familiar? The bible says (v. 39) that the contention was so sharp that they parted. They had different paths to travel. And different people with whom to travel. But, that's okay. They both continued to do ministry, they both continued to preach the word of God, and they remained good friends. But not together, and not the same way. They had similar missions and purposes, but not the same. They both were designed by God to do very important things for His Kingdom, but not the same way, same places, or at the same times.
God has designed you for an important assignment as well. That's your job, not mine. Nor is it your friend's, or pastor's, or even you wife's job. We should not expect this of others. It puts undo pressure on them. Frankly it gives them a job to do that the Lord has not equipped them for. Those people may be involved with or work with you on the same project, and may have even started the project with you, but their job is for them, and your job is for you. If a person is held onto for too long, a part of their true mission might be hindered. Think about our example. If they had not gone their separate ways, the gospel would not have spread as it did. If they had not separated, churches and ministries may not have begun. They would have been out of place. And so will you.
We love you and we are praying for you.
Sis. Pinky’s Prayer:
Father, help us to stay in our own lanes in life and fulfill our mission and not in someone else’s!
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
