Every problem can be solved through a relational connection. You either need to disconnect from some bad relationships or you need to connect to some new sources. In most cases you may have to do both.
There is great power in collaboration. Without it, we remain dull and lack luster.
Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV) "17 As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."
Most of the genres of must that are most popular today were in fact created through some of the greatest collaborations. Merging 2 genres creating a masterpiece of creativity.
The same is in the body of Christ. When everyone plays their part in the plan of God, the full expression of what he wants to accomplish is revealed.
Some of you have been struggling with loneliness and even depression, but there is going to be a breakthrough for you! You’ve felt like you’ve been battling all alone. But I am declaring effective relationships are coming to you, and you are going to be able to recognize them when they come.
We can't survive by ourselves. In fact, the continuation of life is predicated upon your relationships! If you think about it; In the natural, if 2 people were to never come together in "intense fellowship" again…life here on earth would end. This is not because life ends here, but because God designed a system of collaboration here on earth…where one part is dependent on another.
The earth can’t function work without the sun, we wouldn’t be able to breathe if it were not for the plants and flowers here on earth creating a breathable and sustainable atmosphere for us.
In our own lives, if we are going to accomplish anything great here on earth, it is only going to happen with help of effective partnerships and connections.
Luke 5:1-11 (NKJV)
1 So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, 2 and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. 3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.
4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
5 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”
9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” 11 So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.
There are 7 things that we can learn from this passage of scripture, in order to embrace new relationships or partnerships in our own lives.
1. Everyone needs partnerships…even Jesus did. He needed a boat to carry him out on the sea so that his voice could be projected to a large crowd over the water. Don’t think you will be able to accomplish God’s purpose for your life alone. You will always fall when by yourself but with effective partners you have support.
2. Understand your own need and don’t be afraid to let others know how you need their assistance. If you project the idea that you have it all together, then no one will ever know you need help. This does not mean to degrade yourself but utilize the partnerships that you have.
3. Do not victimize yourself by pursuing expressions of “pity”. You don’t need pity; you need a strategy. Clearly express what you need and be confident in what you know you will bring to the table as well. Don’t underestimate what you can contribute. It may not seem big to you, but to the right person your abilities become really valuable.
4. Don’t underestimate what others can bring to the table because you had failed before they came. Jesus said cast your “nets” but Peter only cast 1 net. They are there for a reason, they may see a different side of the equation.
5. Count your failures as "breakthroughs of new information". Behind every mistake is hidden wisdom to help you accomplish your long-term goals. Just because you fail doesn’t mean you are a failure.
6. Align your partnerships in expectation of great growth. Build an infrastructure that can sustain the success that you expect. Don’t be left with broken nets when the fish start coming in, build the structure now!
7. The connections that God brings may have started as one thing, but it could really be a decoy for something bigger that God is going to accomplish in that partnership. Don’t limit what God can do through effective relationships! Most partnerships are multi-dimensional but we have restricted them based on a current need alone.