This past week someone very close to my James and I almost died. God miraculously healed them and I’m so thankful beyond words. While I was praying for healing, all I could think about was everything this person and their spouse has done for James and I. Not many people have invested in us like they have. They’ve poured into our lives, encouraged every step we took and supported every opportunity we were given.
My life has been shaped, molded, and changed because of them. As messages were flooding in on social media for healing, others were sharing the same feelings. So it got me thinking… Who are you investing in?
I’ve learned the value of investing in people because some amazing people have invested in me. There are many aspects of who I am today because of people taking the time to get to know me, pray with me, correct me, challenge me, and care deeply about my potential and future. I’ve learned the value of investing in people because some amazing people have invested in me.
Matthew 28:19-20 says, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
There is a command on our Christian life to pour into the lives of others. To invest time into them so as they grow- they grow deep into Jesus, then in return will go out and invest in others.
Read this: Are all believers called to make disciples?
My life would have been altered had our friend not been healed. There aren’t many people who’ve been there for James and I the same way they’ve been. Everything about how we build relationships with people is because of this couple. They taught us how to dig deep, encourage, and support others. They taught us how to treat one another and how to parent. They’ve walked through the lowest of lows and highest of highs with us. It saddens me to think that people don’t have deep relationships and don’t have that person who speaks into their life. God moves mightily in your life through others and if you’ve never had this, please seek it out.
So, who are you investing in?
Investing in someone takes time, energy, and the ability to see the good and the God-given talents about everything else. It requires learning deeply about someone over a long period of time. And trust needs to be a foundation in the relationship which means you have to consistently prove you’re trustworthy. You need to find space on your calendar regularly and do it with a joyful heart.
Invite people over and share a meal with them. Learn about their past, present, struggles, and dreams. Actually, care about those things. Invite people to be apart of your life regularly so your relationship with them grows deeper.
We can get so caught up in our own lives and fulfill all of our personal desires that we totally lose sight of the people around us. The truth of the matter is, everything is not about you. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but there is great purpose when you realize there are people around you that you can invest in and help bring out their best. There is fulfillment in knowing you can actually be apart of someone else’s dreams and future.
Who is investing in you?
Isolation is appealing because it seems comfortable, easier, and feels “safe.” At least at first, it does. There are no confrontations, no conversations, and no having to process what you’re walking through or decisions you’re making. It can be uncomfortable allowing someone close because you’re giving them the opportunity to see all your junk. But, it’s never easy to live life alone in the long run. You never go far alone because we all need the wisdom, encouragement, mentorship, and the strength of others.
Purposely plant yourself in a community. It doesn’t matter where you live or what you have going on, being planted into a community where you’re allowing someone to pour into you is for all seasons of life. There is someone who is capable and willing to pray with you, walk beside you, and encourage you to become who God has called you to be.
If you are struggling with this today, don’t run or hide. Stay planted, dig deep.
Now read this: If you feel like you’re lacking purpose in life
Heather Margiotta is a Christian Writer and Speaker from northeast Ohio. She is a wife to a loving husband and a mother to two handsome sons. She received a bachelors degree in Theology and writes about her faith, adoption, relationships, and grief on her blog, HeatherMargiotta.com. Besides loving Jesus and her family, Heather is obsessed with coffee, local pizza joints, and nail polish. Find her on Instagram and Facebook.
