Circle Of Support - The One Year Devotions for Women on the Go

May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other—each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other. Romans 15:5

Friends, family, and colleagues: As you live out your calling, you will need a circle of support. The Bible calls this koinonia, or partnership. How can you cultivate those relationships with others so that they understand and can share in your vision?

Be honest: Share your story. Let them see how God brought you to the point of change or calling. The more personal the time is when you share your experience, the more likely the sharing will go well. When you share one-on-one, you give people the opportunity to ask questions, which helps with clarity.

Be in contact: When you have a vision, it is easy to run ahead of the pack. Be selective about what you share. Break down the change or calling into bite-size pieces. When I was in my first month as director of women’s ministries, I saw a plan for personal and leadership development clearly in my mind. I invited the women of our church over to hear my vision; I laid out a time-consuming challenge, then called for a huge commitment. I look back now at the time and energy those first team members invested, and I am amazed that seven hung in there with me that first year.

I soon realized that God had given me an ability to see the full picture all at once. When others couldn’t see the full me picture, the path ahead, they could stay with me in the vision only if I broke the plan down a bit. So I adjusted my expectations, and then more of my support team could run with me.

Make it easier for people to want to run with you as you live out your vision.