A Healthy Environment

“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit.”

John 15:5 NASB

Years ago, before Nick and I married, I had to step out of the environment of family dinners. I love my family, and they love me, but they could not understand why I was “becoming a nun,” which was how they saw my Christian work! Because of their criticisms, I left dinners feeling deflated and depleted. I soon recognized that, for my dream to survive, I had to limit my exposure to their disapproving comments.

This was a very painful choice, but for a season it was vital. As my dream grew, family dinners no longer were a threat. In fact, everyone’s criticism eventually grew into encouragement, and now we are closer than ever!

What dream has God put in your heart? And what environment is tearing it down? For you, it may be going to a certain bar or club or joining in on the lunchroom gossip. Perhaps it’s spending time with certain family and friends. Whatever it is, if it takes you away from fulfilling your purpose, have the courage to walk away for a time for the sake of your dream. Protect your dream until it’s strong enough to stand up anywhere. Ask God to lead you toward more positive environments, where your dream can flourish.

Lord, please give me discernment as I choose to make a life where the dream You gave me can grow.