The people around you can either fuel your passion and purpose or drain you of energy and grace. Relationships are powerful—they shape your mindset, influence your emotions, and can even affect your spiritual life. 2 Kings 3:9-15 shows a striking example of this. When the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom sought Elisha for guidance, he struggled to function spiritually because of the presence of the ungodly King of Israel. It was only after music was played that the anointing moved again. This shows that the wrong associations can hinder even the most anointed and capable among us.
Many people underestimate how much their relationships impact their lives. Some friendships or partnerships leave you drained, or even disconnected from God’s purpose. Others ignite faith, passion, and drive within you. Jehoshaphat’s presence in the story was key. He was a godly king stuck in an ungodly alliance. And things were going wrong, so he turned to a prophet for assistance. Who in your life strengthens your walk with God? Who weakens it? Proverbs 13:20 says, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” If the company you keep is not helping you grow, it may be time to reevaluate your connections.
Take a moment to assess your relationships. Are they pushing you toward your calling, or are they slowing you down? If Elisha himself needed a shift in atmosphere to function properly, how much more do we need to be intentional about our environment? Surround yourself with people who challenge you to grow, encourage your faith, and stir up your gifts. If a relationship constantly drains you, it may be time to create distance. Ask God for wisdom to connect with the right people—those who will sharpen you and help you fulfill your purpose.
