The importance of a support network

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. -Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. -1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

When life takes that unexpected turn and you’re left barely holding on, God often puts others around you who can help support you. His love is channeled through each of us, and we are conduits for His power and grace for each other and the world.

To start making our way through the difficulty, we need to stop isolating ourselves. It’s time to reach out.

If you’re having difficulty facing your past, today’s challenges, or your fears and worries about an uncertain future, first lay them all down at His feet in prayer. Surrender all your burdens to Him. If you don’t, they can consume or crush you. Call out to Jesus to carry and comfort you. He can handle everyone in the world at once!

Then, reach out to trusted brothers and sisters in Christ who share the same pursuit of Him. This can be friends, family, coworkers, and pastors and Christian counselors. It’s crucial that your friends partake in the same pursuit of God that you do, or else you will receive conflicting advice that may mean well, but ultimately doesn’t honor God in following it.

Despite what some well-meaning friends may say, God can definitely give you more than you can handle…alone, without Him. But He is always present to help you directly, and through a support network. Don’t do life alone. God is always with you, as are your faithful siblings in Christ.