We must learn the importance of familly in 2018 not just alignments.
By Nate Johnston
Last year I had a warning from the Lord that was loud and clear. He said “Be careful what you say yes to”. At the time it was only the end of January and we had already verbally confirmed a three month USA trip as well as Canada later in the year. Within a few months it was clear God wanted me to cancel what “I”had planned and said yes to. 2017 ended up being a year of many opportunities but 9 times out of ten God would tell me to turn them down. I look back now and I can see how 2017 was such a year of shifting of hearts and focus. If we are willing to say yes to HIS plans and not orchestrate our own He always says Yes to something even better.
So God also gave me a word of warning this year as well I feel to share, as hard as it is for me to do so. I woke up a few nights ago to the Lord speaking to me about the importance of covenant relationships that were like Jonathan and David in this new season. Allies who would champion you, cheer you on, put you even before themselves, drawing out the gold, walking through the dark night of battle, and celebrating the victories. He told me that alignments were great but this year we would need more than affiliations, we would need family.
He then began to show me the times past that I had let the door to my heart and life open to anyone and it hurt me and robbed me. It grieved Him. Through my own feeling of worthlessness I had accepted any kind of friend and running companion even at the cost of it sabotaging my mission. He said that it was crucial to find those who he has designed to be your Jonathan’s, cut out the sauls, and limit access to the ones that are inauthentic or have an agenda.
Relationships that are inauthentic will only hinder you and drain you, those that talk like friends but their spirit is a competitor and seeks to undermine and detract from you. Extend love, but don't leave your door open anymore. Find your tribe. Find those few and pursue Jesus and His kingdom together.
I’m not saying we withhold, or fall into the trap of being critical or suspiciously wary, but that we would have wisdom and choose not to cast our pearls anywhere this year. Let’s steward well, Love well, and we will finish well!
