Bible Reading: Mark 3:7-19
Special Verse: Mark 3:13
"And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him."
Jesus was intentional in everything He did. Whether it was traveling through Samaria to meet the woman at the well (John 4), going to Jerusalem to be crucified, or selecting twelve disciples—including Judas, who would betray Him—every decision was calculated and purposeful.
The people we surround ourselves with can either build us up or tear us down. Everyone God brings into our lives serves a purpose, but that purpose is not always for our comfort—it is for His glory and eternal plan. Some people will bring us joy, while others may cause pain and even betray us, just as Judas did to Jesus. However, without Judas, there would have been no cross, no resurrection, and no salvation.
It’s natural to want to walk away from difficult relationships, but have you considered that some of those people may be placed in your life to refine your character? Perhaps they are there to teach you patience, endurance, or love. Jesus could have given up on His disciples because of their flaws, doubts, and failures, but instead, He invested in them. As a result, eleven of them went on to spread the Gospel and transform the world.
Relationships should not be judged solely on how they make us feel, but on whether God has ordained them for our growth and His purpose. Pray and ask God to reveal which relationships are from Him and which ones you need to let go of. Remember, Satan can also bring seemingly "good" people into your life with the goal of pulling you away from God. Seek His wisdom and choose your inner circle wisely.