Devotional - How We Grow: Providential Relationships
"Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." – Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)
God never intended for us to walk through life alone. From the very beginning, relationships have been a key part of His design. He places people in our lives—friends, mentors, spiritual leaders—who help shape our faith and draw us closer to Him. These providential relationships aren’t random; they are intentional and God-ordained.
Think about the relationships that have impacted your faith. Maybe it was a friend who invited you to church, a mentor who encouraged you to pursue Jesus, or even a conversation with someone who lived out their faith in a way that made you curious. These moments aren’t just coincidences; they’re evidence of God actively working in your life through others.
At the same time, the people we surround ourselves with influence us, for better or worse. Proverbs 13:20 makes it clear—when we walk with wise, faithful people, we become wise. But if we spend our time with those who live apart from God, we’re setting ourselves up for harm. That doesn’t mean we avoid people who don’t share our faith; it means we’re intentional about who we allow to shape our hearts and minds.
We all have a choice in the relationships we pursue. Are we seeking out friendships that push us toward Jesus? Are we making space for community that challenges and strengthens our faith? And just as others have influenced us, we have the opportunity to be that kind of person for someone else. There might be someone in your life right now who needs encouragement, accountability, or simply a reminder that God sees them.
A.W. Tozer once said, “Next to the Holy Scriptures, the greatest aid to the life of faith may be Christian friendships.” God grows our faith through relationships, and He also calls us to be that encouragement for others. Who in your life is helping you grow? And who are you helping in return?
Questions for Reflection:
Who in your life has helped you grow in faith? How did they impact you?
Are there relationships in your life that are pulling you away from God? What steps can you take to surround yourself with people who encourage your faith?
How can you be a providential relationship for someone else? Is there someone God is calling you to invest in?
What steps can you take this week to intentionally build relationships that strengthen your faith?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the people You have placed in my life to strengthen my faith. I trust that You are the one who provides the relationships I need to grow closer to You. Please bring people into my life who will encourage, challenge, and sharpen my faith. Open my eyes to recognize these providential relationships and give me the courage to invest in them. And Lord, if You are calling me to be that person for someone else, help me to step into that role with love and faithfulness. Thank You for working through relationships to draw us nearer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Further Study:
Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer – A powerful book on Christian community and the importance of deep, faith-filled relationships.
Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World by Jennie Allen – A practical guide on building strong, godly relationships in a disconnected world.
The Power of the Other by Dr. Henry Cloud – Examines how the people in our lives shape our emotional and spiritual health.
Action Step:
This week, pray for God to bring providential relationships into your life. Consider reaching out to someone you admire spiritually—invite them for coffee, join a small group, or take a step toward deepening the faith-centered friendships you already have.
