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Take a look around you, who do you see? The circle (a group of people with shared professions, interests, or acquaintances) you are surrounded by is incredibly important. Let us reflect on a story in the book of Mark that shows just how important this circle can be. If you read Mark 2, you will be in the midst of Capernaum where Jesus was preaching the Word to the masses. “And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.” The next miracle that you witness would not have been possible without the circle that surrounded the paralyzed man. “Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men.

And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.” This man had no way to get to Jesus on his own due to his disability and the immense crowd, but his circle of friends made a way when all hope was passing by. The work it took for his friends to create a hole in the dirt ceiling, a hoist to lift him up and then to carry their friend to the feet of Jesus is incredibly inspiring. They knew this was the paralytic’s once in a lifetime opportunity for healing and they not only seized the moment, but they had overwhelming faith to know if they could just get him to Jesus he would walk into his future. I have found throughout my life that when I looked around there were individuals who were not bringing faith to my circle. God graciously gives us discernment with all relationships if we take the time to listen and accept the shifts within that circle. Some individuals were only there for a season and some I couldn’t imagine doing life without. Our “tribe” as I call them bring us life, help in times of need, hope, love, prayer and always lead us to the feet of Jesus when life gets too heavy. “When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins beforgiven thee.” Mark 2:5. It was because of his friend’s faith that the man was able to leap into his destiny! Take a look around you this week and see just who God has ordained to your circle and maybe even those He has asked you to release. Those who surround you should always be the ones who will push you to healing, freedom, joy and most importantly Jesus.

“But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,). I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.” Mark 2:10-12. 

Blessings,

Kayla