Your Circle Matters - Mark 2:3-5

One of my favorite things God has taught me so far this year is that who you surround yourself with is very important. Your circle MATTERS. This story in Mark 2 (verses 3-5 to be exact) is one great example of why.

And it reads, "3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

This man was paralyzed and his friends had enough FAITH to carry him. His friends had enough FAITH that even though they couldn't get to Jesus, they found a way and created an opening in the roof right above Jesus. His friends had enough FAITH that it was so visible to Jesus and he forgave the man of his sins, Not only was the paralyzed man forgiven of his sins but he was healed. Mark 2:10-12 reads, "10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man,11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

I pray these few verses alone help whoever is reading this and you understand why it's so important of who you include in your circle. It's important to watch who you call your friend. Yes, a lot of things are cool BUT... when you need prayer can you call on that friend who only calls you when they need something from you? Are you able to call a friend and be able to be real with them and say "I need help" and know that they will help you? Can you call on them and talk to them about your dreams and goals without them getting jealous or feeling like they have to compete with you? Can you also do that without them feeling like you're trying to be "better than?" Can you go to them when you just need a listening ear? Do they support you truly? Do they love you truly? Do they inspire you truly? Hanging out is cool, brunch is cool, shopping is cool, having dinners are cool.. but that's not true friendship. Check this out: Proverbs 27:17 reads, "Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Your circle should be helping you grow in some way, shape, or form. No matter the type of relationship you have with that person, you both should be able to sharpen each other in an aspect. It shouldn't be one sided or only on "certain occasions."

When you're down, your friends should be able to be those physical being to pick you up and remind you that it will get better. They should be able to let you release and still be there awaiting on your bounce back and break through. In the moments when you feel helpless or hopeless, they should be able to have that same FAITH that the paralyzed man's circle had. When you lack faith for you and your situation, their faith should not only be visible to God, but it should be so visible to you that YOUR OWN FAITH will increase inspire of what the circumstance or situation is.

Don't just get friends based off of looks, likes, and whatever else is irrelevant. Have friends who will be just that, your friend. If you're not sure what a friend is, remember you have a friend in Jesus. He will always be there. He will. never fail you. You can always trust him. I pray that God continues to show you that you have an amazing friend in Him. I pray that he blesses you with a circle of amazing individuals who can show you his love in the physical as well as spiritual.

I hope that this mini message touched you and made you re-evaluate your circle as well as your own faith. Know that God is always with you. All you have to do is talk to him and you can start today.

"Father, I just want to thank for bringing this beautiful individual to this post. I pray that this post blesses them in a special way. I ask that you continue to cover the person reading this. Bless them in the ways they need to be blessed. Deliver them in the ways they need to be delivered. Heal them in the ways they need to be healed Lord. I ask that you wrap your loving arms around them and let them know that they have a friend in you. I ask that you show up for them in ways their very own friends fail to. I ask that in this, you reveal to them who their true friends are. I pray that you bless them with other beautiful people who are a true reflection of you and can show them in the physical, what it means to be and have a true friend. I pray that their faith is increased even the more. No matter their situation or circumstance, I pray they trust and BELIEVE that you are going to do it for them. Your word reminds us that you will never leave us nor forsake us. We're also reminded that you are everything we need God. Continue to be our friend. Show us the TRUE meaning. Thank you Lord for being our friend. Thank you for never failing us. Thank you for your kindness, mercy, and your love. We bless your name. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Be blessed Saints!