Photo credit: Nate Haniger
Article by: Zoe O'Connor Gordon
Why you need other people to ACCOMPLISH your dreams
When I was 17, and dreaming some crazy, God-sized dreams for the future, the one thing God spoke clearly was this, “You will not do this alone.” I didn’t know then how profound and true that statement was. I was not meant to work alone. And neither were you.
We need each other.
The problem is, we live in a world that exalts independence and fosters isolation, but we must remember that we are not of this world. As ambassadors of the Kingdom of heaven, we are called to love and serve one another.
God designed us to need each other. He structured life such that we are most productive, protected and pleased within the context of relationship.
In fact, God intentionally puts people in our lives to encourage us when we are discouraged, to believe in His plans for us when we doubt them, and to run with us on the journey.
The Bible gives us many examples of these types of life-giving, even world-changing relationships: David and Jonathan. Moses and Aaron. Elijah and Elisha. Jesus and the disciples. All the believers in Acts... the list goes on and on.
We just can’t get away from the fact that we are made to thrive in community, especially when it comes to accomplishing our dreams and callings.
Solomon said it plainly:
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Recently, I’ve been challenged and encouraged by this simple realization:
God will use other people to help accomplish His plans for my life.
If we can embrace this God-designed strategy for living, we’ll experience greater levels of freedom, joy and fruitfulness than we ever could alone.
Today, I am witnessing this play out in my own life. As someone with an independent streak and the tendency to ‘do it all on my own,’ I am amazed by how God is using the people in my life to help me pursue my creative dreams.
From prayer and encouragement when I am tempted to give up, to financial provision and resources, to practical help with building websites, taking photos, and recording songs and videos; I am truly humbled by the support of my friends and family.
If you’re feeling isolated, defeated, or overwhelmed by your dreams, know that God doesn’t intend for you to do it all alone. He has a plan, and it involves other people.
Now, here’s the practical part…
How to make the shift from working alone to working with others:
Answer these two simple questions...
1. WHO CAN HELP ME?
Who has God put in your life? Who are your cheerleaders, prayer warriors, sounding boards, truth speakers, accountability partners, and fellow race-runners? Ask the Lord to reveal these strategic relationships.
Then take the next step: Have a conversation with each of these people- explain what you're working on, then ask if they'd be willing to help you.
2. WHO CAN I HELP?
Not only does God want to use other people to help you, He wants to use you to help others. Ask Him to show you who you’re supposed to support.
What practical skills can you offer to help your friends with their own dreams? Who can you encourage or affirm? Who can you pray for?
As soon as you have a few people in mind, make sure you reach out. Find out what they need, then offer to help them.
The next time you are tempted to seclude yourself, remember that God wants us to live in relationship with others. We were never meant to be isolated. The Bible clearly tells us that working with others produces greater results. It’s the best way to get things done, and it is so much more fun in the process!
VERSES TO PONDER...
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4