Prolonged or repeated cycles of pain, betrayals and hurt can draw back into seclusion. However, God created each of us for relationship, productivity, fruitfulness, joy and abundance and we cannot achieve these on our own. 2 Peter 1:3 says that His (God) divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. We are not meant to live in isolation or independent of others. There is “healthy co-dependency and interdependence in God’s Kingdom.” God has people assigned to help you fulfill your destiny. In most things God involves healthy people to connect with us towards accomplishing His purposes through us; also known as DESTINY!
I guess I should start by defining who “healthy people are”. These are people who are authentic and are available to stand with you through thick and thin without judging or criticizing you and if criticism was to be given, they are people who will give you constructive criticism with pure motives to help you advance in live. They are encouragers, people you are free to open up to without fear of your business being broadcasted negatively- you feel safe around such people. They are people whose blessings can be reciprocated in that as they help you while you too help back with ease.
One of the tactics satan uses to steal, kill and destroy is isolation especially when we are in valleys of life. At times the devil uses isolation to convince incorrectly about others. The devil dose this through false perceptions and beliefs about others or circumstances resulting in further withdrawal. This may present as avoiding church, lack of interest in reading the Bible and lapses in praying. The devil’s aim is often to use the negative experience to draw you away from God. Submit to God, resist the devil and He will flee (James 4:7)
Throughout the Bible we see the support systems that existed through communities or friendships. (1) Two are better than one according to Ecclesiastes 4:9 because they have a good reward for their labor. We need one another for support, comfort, encouragement, joy, laughter, prayer, fellowship and communion. When you stay isolated you deprive others of what you have to offer. You have many great things to offer the world. The world still needs you!(2) Where two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in Heaven (Matthew 18:19), (3)where two or three are gathered in My Name there I am in their midst also ( Matthew 18:20)-both (2) and (3) allude to the power of corporate prayer, unity and fellowship with one another. (4) Proverbs: 11:14, Proverbs 15: 22, Proverbs 24:6- in the counsel of many there is wisdom and safety- Do not struggle alone, your gifts can help someone else. Another’s gifts can also bless you.
We were not meant to live this life in secrecy and in isolation. God’s grace is sufficient in our weaknesses to bring us healing, deliverance and freedom. Submit everything to God. This week pray asking God to bring you “HEALTHY CONNECTIONS”. Ask God to direct you to the right church, friend or persons, and community that will support you and help you thrive. If you are in a wrong setting, ask God to expose that too; show you how to exist and the strengthen you to walk away. Most important- stay connected. Alone we are a weak link, connected, we make a stronger bond – A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken- Ecclesiastes 4:12, NLT